Aim: To reflect on the nature and importance of community.
Procedure:
1. Show some of the works to students below. Discuss:
- What do these images suggest about the community they represent?
- How would you describe the neighborhoods?
- What do you think the residents of these neighborhoods receive from their community?
2. Immigrant communities, like those depicted in the works of Weegee, Ben Shahn, and others, often provide practical and emotional support for their residents. The same is true of all communities. Encourage students to consider their relationships with their own communities by reflecting on the following questions:
- How do you define a community?
- Who makes up your community? Are you part of more than one community?
- What do you receive from your community?
- What do you contribute to your community?
3. Many artists have documented their communities through photography. Your students can do the same. Have students take photos of their community (whether it is their neighborhood community, their school community, their religious community, etc.) that reflect what they think is important or essential about it. Students can create an exhibition or photo essay of their work, including reflective writing pieces along with the images.
Weegee (born Arthur Fellig) (American, b. Poland, 1899-1968)
Max Is Rushing in the Bagels to a Restaurant on Second Avenue for the Morning Trade, c. 1940
- Gelatin silver print
- 14 3/4 x 18 7/8 in. (37.5 x 48 cm)
- The Jewish Museum, New York
- Purchase: Joan B. and Richard L. Barovick Family Foundation and Bunny and Jim Weinberg Gifts, 2000-72
- © Weegee/International Center of Photography/Getty Images
Max Is Rushing in the Bagels to a Restaurant on Second Avenue for the Morning Trade
Max Is Rushing in the Bagels to a Restaurant on Second Avenue for the Morning Trade
Andreas Feininger (American, b. France, 1906-1999)
- Gelatin silver print
- 11 3/8 x 9 3/8 in. (28.9 x 23.8 cm)
- The Jewish Museum, New York
- Gift of Jack and Judy Stern, 1998-88
- © Estate of Andreas Feininger, Courtesy of Bonni Benrubi Gallery, NYC
Not on view Photographs
Jewish Store, Lower East Side
Jewish Store, Lower East Side
Simpson Kalisher (American, b. 1926)
- Gelatin silver print
- 14 1/16 x 16 7/8 in. (35.7 x 42.9 cm)
- The Jewish Museum, New York
- Purchase: Photography Acquisitions Committee Fund, 2005-41
Not on view Photographs
Untitled (Schechter Furriers)
Untitled (Schechter Furriers)
Arnold Eagle (American, b. Hungary, 1909-1992)
- Gelatin silver print
- 7 1/8 x 9 1/4 in. (18.1 x 23.5 cm)
- The Jewish Museum, New York
- Purchase: Lillian Gordon Bequest, 2000-79
Not on view Photographs
New York
New York
Ben Shahn (American, b. Lithuania, 1898-1969)
- Gelatin silver print
- 6 x 9 1/8 in. (15.2 x 23.2 cm)
- The Jewish Museum, New York
- Purchase: Photography Acquisitions Committee Fund, 2002-33
- Art © Estate of Ben Shahn/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY
Not on view Photographs
New York City (Merchant, Bleecker Street)
New York City (Merchant, Bleecker Street)
Rebecca Lepkoff (American, b. 1916)
- Gelatin silver print
- 8 5/8 x 7 3/8 in. (21.9 x 18.7 cm)
- The Jewish Museum, New York
- Purchase: Photography Acquisitions Committee Fund, 1998-11
Not on view Photographs
East Broadway and Canal Street
