HEP 2019 THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE PROJECT. VOLUME TWO JUNE.
WE ARE THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE PROJECT.
OUR GOAL is to create visual and narrative content that supports the mission of organizations, institutions, and individuals who work to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities. 2
2 KUMBH MELA 14 CRACKS IN THE WALL 20 GREEN NEW DEAL 24 JUSTICE 26 OPENING ACT 30 THE MURAL: REACTION + RESPONSE
All photography © David Katzenstein All editorial content by Gay Feldman 34
KUMBH MELA 4
The sacred confluence of the Kumbh Mela celebrates the devotion of the multitudes through vedic mantras and religious hymns, proclamations of knowledge, truths, music, and tributes to the greatness of the sacred pitcher filled with the nectar of immortality marking the highest of all pilgrimages for the Hindu religion. Every 12 years millions gather at different sites in India to celebrate the mythological, astrological, social, and ritualistic aspects of their faith. 2019 marked the largest Mela ever, drawing over 150 million devotees to the Prayagraj ( formerly Allahabad) between January and March 2019. Individuals and families travel thousands of miles to partake in joyous celebration. The subject of international scholarship, the ritualistic pilgrimage has come to symbolize ministry and power as it provides a forum for both individual and collective expressions of faith as pilgrims, religious teachers, and followers of monastic orders converge along the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers. *
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Resources: *​https://kumbh.gov.in/en http://sessionville.com/articles/theinfluence-of-indian-music-on-jazz https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/ https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=SD-xEUvMYJ8 https://www.himalayanacademy. com/readlearn/basics/nine-beliefs http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/holidays *​https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/ project/kumbh-mela/ http://www.ravishankar.org https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/norah-jones-on-herfather-ravi-shankar-63422/ https://www.npr. org/2013/10/20/237107030/ anoushka-shankar-and-norah-joneshalf-sisters-coll aborate-at-last
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CRACKS IN THE WALL Contemporary Pilgrimage is a central theme for David Katzenstein. For over 300 years Jerusalem’s sacred Western Wall has come to symbolize hope for the faithful. The customary act of placing folded notes within the cracks of this ancient wall draws millions of visitors to the site each year. The photographs presented in this collection were taken on the morning of November 30, 2017 between 10:43-11:08 AM. The changing angle of the sun dapples the wall with dynamic patterning, highlighting the textures within the stone now punctuated by folded paper notes. Time stamping his photographs, the author invites us to consider our awareness of time and the fragility of temporal relationships.
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A GREEN NEW DEAL On March 14, 2019, students of all ages set out on strike demanding climate change. The collective effort was heard and seen around the world. Grade School to High School, Home School to Boarding School, young people gathered, unified, with one voice to demand action now. This collection of photographs taken near Columbus Circle in NYC represents the face of young activism. Predominantly female, the striking imagery underscores the power of future generations to effect change.
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JUSTICE
ad • vo • cate noun | ˈadvəkət | a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy: he was an untiring advocate of economic reform. verb | ˈadvəˌkāt | [with object] publicly recommend or support: they advocated an ethical foreign policy.
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Advocacy for the greater good is the driving force behind the law firm of Gitlin, Horn & Van De Kieft LLP. Whether it is a deaf person at risk of losing their home, or criminal defendant who was not given an interpreter by the police and was lost in the system, or someone at risk of losing their employment or SSI benefits, the dedicated and committed lawyers of GHV remind us each day that service is a privilege. Headed by Bruce Gitlin, the firm has advised deaf and hard of hearing clients in controversies that affect the individuals and communities at large for decades. The Human Experience Project proudly supports their work through probono campaigns raising awareness and greatly needed funds to continue their work. To learn more about GHV, please visit their site: https://www.ghvlaw.com/disability-rights-project
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Breaking through the fourth wall, Opening Act works with New York City’s most under-served public schools by providing students with the opportunity to gain confidence, pride, and the knowledge that they can succeed at anything in life.* *Opening Act Mission Statement
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A stage for new voices, Opening Act shines a spotlight on the power of expression, collaboration, and community. Founded in 2000, actors and educators joined together, working tirelessly behind the scenes to transform the lives of students through a free, innovative, long term, after-school theater arts program. Since that time, the program has expanded to serve over 50 high schools in the 5 boroughs. Under the leadership of Executive Director Suzy Myers Jackson, the organization has attracted artistic and financial support from a wide range of sponsors including HBO and Tony award winning director Kenny Leon. In 2013 David Katzenstein received an invitation to create a portfolio of fine art photographs to help enhance awareness in support of Opening Acts’ development goals. 2018 was a banner year for the organization. Photographing the performers, writers, and host of contributing artists for last years’ gala presentation of Hear Me Here directed by Kenny Leon, formalized the students’ experience through fine art photography. Transformative and inspiring, this project continues to enhance Opening Act’s efforts in ways we never dreamed possible. We are thrilled to participate with this organization on an ongoing basis. 29
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The Mural: Reaction + Response Winter always turns to Spring. A new season ushered in new opportunities, extending our deep dive into the mural near and far. Starting with a trip to San Francisco, we set off to take a look at local art in the Bay area. From the Mission to Oakland, fresh perspectives on the medium underscored the main thrust of the importance of arts education and access. From public art to private collections, a West Coast perspective was fresh on our minds as we stopped back in Memphis, TN. Spending time with local artists and arts education advocate Lawrence Matthews at the newly opened gallery space The COMPLX @ The Collective: http:// www.thecltv.org , we met up with students and artists featured in the latest group installation. The collection of powerful work across mediums gives voice to the new generation of local artists. It’s all about empowerment, all about hope, all about breaking down the barriers in ways that inspire collaboration. Closer to home, we picked up the thread and tagged along with Dr. Jane Kahn and her incredible studio arts students from The Frank Sinatra School of The Arts. Documenting their group installation mural project with artist in residence LADY PINK at Kaufman Astoria Studios (through a special partnership with Exploring The Arts www.exploringthearts.org) was a lesson in generosity, leadership, mentorship, and passion. The students, artists, and educators shared a few thoughts about the importance of arts education and community support in their lives. We can’t wait to share the full story with you! 30
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“ ...building a viable and inclusive art scene that situates an array of black art as essential to understanding our city, this moment, and our history.� -Lawrence Matthews. 31
UP NEXT...
Recognizing economic disparity around the world, socially conscious businesses that create new opportunities to strengthen networks, provide economic empowerment, gender equality, and social protections for the vulnerable, have paved the way for a more compassionate and responsible business model. It is with this spirit that CHIMISKOLI was born. Recognizing the culture and history of the families who have cultivated and protected their crops for generations, Chimiskoli founder and owner Lorena Márquez made a conscious decision to devote her expertise and energy toward developing an infrastructure that would help “susceptible Mexicans.” Our partnership seeks to share the stories behind Chimiskoli through text and imagery, offering a multidimensional facet of the human experience.
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THEP Magazine Contributors GAY FELDMAN: Co-Founder + Executive Director
A native New Yorker, Gay Feldman has been involved in commercial and fine art photography for over three decades. Her formal background as an art historian and experience working alongside some of the most recognizable names in design and creative direction, have allowed her to guide and nurture the careers for a notable coterie of creatives. In 2015, Gay began a new chapter in her life devoted towards creating content that supports mission-based organizations. Her dedication to education and public access to the arts has supported independent schools, community-based initiatives, and other not for profit entities. A current candidate for MS in Museum Education, Gay continues to combine her passion for the arts with her entrepreneurial acumen on a daily basis through curriculum development, curation and exhibition design.
DAVID KATZENSTEIN: Co-Founder + Photography
Over the past 30 years New York City based photographer David Katzenstein has traveled extensively throughout the world creating narrative imagery for fine art exhibitions, global corporate giants and philanthropic organizations. Steeped in the tradition established by documentary and reportage photographers such as Cartier-Bresson and Josef Koudelka, David imbues all his work with emotional engagement and a deep respect for humanity. Spontaneous, authentic, and bold, his lens captures the essence of each moment providing the viewer with an intimate view of the world around us.
HELANE BLUMFIELD: Creative Director THEP Magazine
A nationally recognized creative visionary with a reputation for translating dynamic ideas into scalable campaigns, Helane has navigated the world of design and advertising with grace and style. Working with some of the most notable photographers and designers on a global scale imbues her work with informed perspective. Helane has supported growth and effective change in every area of her life. From fashion to the arts , Helane’s passion for expression continues to explore new possibilities in visual communication and performance. A multidisciplinary artist herself, Helane has brought her creative expertise to fiber arts and cabaret. As a recent recipient of a Broadway World Award, Helane continues to expand her horizons. Her collaboration with THEP represents an extension of her creative vision in exciting new ways.
Graphic Design: Eli Blumfield Print Production: Amadeo Lasansky www.thehumanexperienceproject.net Instagram: thehumanexperienceproject gay@thehumanexperienceproject.net
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www.thehumanexperienceproject.net Instagram: thehumanexperienceproject gay@thehumanexperienceproject.net