April 14 – October 14, 2010
Aguilar Library/NYPL
174 East 110th Street
New York, NY 10029

STATEMENT
Melendez’s photographs in Family Work, are a personal investigation of her family, the spaces they inhabit, and an intimate relationship between photographer and the sitter. In the process she explores issues of class, family relationships, and ultimately a deeper understanding of her own roots. Melendez states, “I photograph my family because I have a need to immortalize them from my point of view. I act as both a participant and observer. There are different class dimensions in my family; family that could afford certain luxuries versus those that live day by day. Judgments and prejudices are made from one part of the family to the other, and I have attempted to move between the two.” Melendez’s ability to put her sitters at ease with striking sincerity and openness, allows the viewer a glimpse into a moment of their lives.

Read more about Groana HERE.

En Foco’s 2009-2010 Touring Gallery program is supported in part by the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Senator José M. Serrano/Legislative Initiative Grant, the Bronx Council on the Arts, Archival Methods, members and friends.