In Partnership with Cambridge College, 2022
Banner Art detail: Don West, "Angela Davis, Wilma Mankiller, Gloria Steinem"
Image Gallery
Artist Statement
In thinking of the statement “VIOLENCE TRANSFORMED,” it came to mind, who and how is the transformation happening. It occurred, of course, that people are affecting this change and who better to represent this movement but those particular persons who are promoting “GOOD TROUBLE."
And so I reflect a project I have been closely associated with, my exhibit and book entitled “PORTRAITS OF PURPOSE: A Tribute to LEADERSHIP” ( P.O.P.)
(P.O.P.) reveals 125 persons' commitment and perseverance in bringing about a progressive, more equitable society in the face of many odds. These individuals range over many genres and disciplines and give us the hope that positive, life-giving change can arise from most everywhere.
Artist Bio + Contact Info
Don West began a career as a freelance news photographer making a conscious choice to capture affirmative images of people of color in all facets of professional, political and community life. In the 1980’s West began with United Press International (UPI) and Boston’s black weekly, the Bay State Banner.
He has since gone on to a host of assignments with major newspapers, and magazines such as the Boston Globe, New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, Ebony, People and Black Enterprise. His editorial and documentary assignments have taken him throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, China, Europe and the Middle East. His proudest moment was serving as Nelson Mandela’s photographer when he first visited Boston after his release from prison in South Africa (1990).
Most recently, with the support of Eastern Bank, West authored the book “Portraits of Purpose: A Tribute to Leadership” with text by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Kenneth J. Cooper and foreword by Harvard Law Professor, Charles J. Ogletree. The book is based on his original exhibit first displayed in Boston in 1997.
West’s work has been exhibited in many venues such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Museum of African American History, Boston, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston and many other institutions.
Memberships include: the National Press Photographers Association, the Boston Press Photographers Association, the African American Master Artists Residence Program at Northeastern University and the National Association of Black Journalists.
Artist's Website: http://donwestfoto.com
Email: dw@donwestfoto.com