Present in the Moment

Visit our Mezanine Gallery for a photography exhibition created with with disposable cameras by local Armory community members Isabel Fernandez, Esprit Jones, Brandon Donte Lamar, Caleo Kiyoshi Osorio, and Isabella Sanchez.

Exhibition organizer and Armory Teaching Artist Johnny Pérez explained the exhibition as follows:

"You don’t have to worry anymore. That is the essence of this project. We were not concerned with the results of these photos. There was no right or wrong, there was no good or bad.

With this project the intention was to validate ourselves by validating the things that make us feel a sense of presence through observation. To be observant of the moment, the vibe, and the ways in which we are linked to it. To let go of the burdensome expectations that we can put on ourselves when making art or navigating life.

The disposable cameras used were tools for cutting loose and giving ourselves some grace. A means to not overthink things and allow ourselves to trust the process. In this process of seeking validation, representation emerges. It is from this collectivity of plural perspectives, we not only validated ourselves, but we validated each other. Because if it’s not with us, then it’s not for us."

Present in the Moment, led by Armory Teaching Artist Johnny Pérez, was a project to mark the culmination of Kitchen Cabinet to Community Table, a four-year initiative to deepen the Armory's community connections through artmaking and breaking bread together.

The Armory would like to thank the participants, Esprit, Brandon, Isabella, Isabel and Caleo for sharing a small slice of their lives and community with us. We also have deep gratitude for Armory Teaching Artists Johnny Pérez and Rachel Curry for leading us through the process.

Present in the Moment is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Lead support for all Armory programs comes from the Perenchio Foundation.