Jordan Shanks, a college student and self-taught photographer, will unveil his first photo exhibition during a special pop-up gallery in the nation’s capital. “Love Letters to America” will showcase images that the 20-year-old Richmond native has captured of fellow students at Howard University, the recent protests in Ferguson, Missouri, and fashion in New York City.
“My photos comment on aspects of the Black experience in America, and they also give viewers a glimpse into my generation and its identity,” says Shanks, who is of African-American, Latino and Caribbean descent. “I’m excited to express my art. This photography exhibit is also a fundraiser that will help me earn tuition money to return to college in the fall.”
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, from 5-9 p.m. at the Thurgood Marshall Center (located at 1816 12th St., NW, Washington, D.C., in the district’s historic U Street corridor). A reception will follow.
“I am excited to unveil my work at the Marshall Center,” says Shanks. “Thurgood Marshall studied law at Howard University—a school that I love.” A limited number of prints and postcards will be available for purchase during the exhibit. Thereafter, photos from the collection will be shown by appointment.
Jordan Shanks is a college student and self-taught photographer from Richmond, Virginia. Learn more about the photographer at his website, JordanShanks.com, and follow him on Instagram and Twitter @jordanshanks.
