LaToya Ruby Frazier: A Lens on Working-Class America

LaToya Ruby Frazier’s evocative photography encapsulates the essence of her hometown, Braddock, Pennsylvania, illuminating the trials faced by working-class communities in America. Born in 1982, Frazier grew up amidst the decline of the steel industry and the catastrophic impact of the "war on drugs" on her community. Her early work, titled "The Notion of Family," poignantly embodied the fatigue and hardships endured by her family and the town.

Defining Family through a Lens

Frazier's photographic and video works served as a means for her to understand her own life and to reshape her concept of family. She immortalized intimate moments with her grandmother and mother, along with self-portraits that evidenced both strength and vulnerability. Frazier exposed the stark reality of Braddock through her lens, presenting the abandoned buildings as symbols of the town's decline, rather than mere wreckage.

"The Notion of Family": A Powerful Debut

"The Notion of Family" signified Frazier's artistic debut, and it created a profound impact. This series crafted its own atmosphere, immersing viewers in the history and struggles of Braddock. Frazier's photographs were more than mere documentation; they were a reflection of her own experiences and a tribute to the resilience of her community.

Expanding Horizons: Exploring Labor Communities

While Frazier's early work was centered on her own family, she later broadened her scope to include other working-class communities. She delved into the lives of organized labor, capturing the struggles faced by workers in places like Flint, Michigan, and a GM plant in Lordstown, Ohio. Frazier's photographs became a medium for storytelling, enabling her to give a voice to those who often remain unheard.

Challenges of Agency and Interpretation

As Frazier explored beyond her own family, she encountered the challenge of portraying her subjects' agency. She aimed to bridge the gap between herself as the artist and the individuals she photographed, sometimes through collaborative efforts, and other times through extensive transcripts of their words. This approach enriched her work, but also posed a challenge for viewers who had to navigate lengthy text panels alongside the photographs. Frazier's exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), titled "Monuments of Solidarity," showcases her two-decade-long survey of work. While the exhibition underscores the clarity and potency of her images, it also prompts questions about the venue and scope of such an expansive retrospective. Frazier's commitment to depth and storytelling seems to clash with the sprawling nature of the exhibit, which prioritizes breadth over depth.

Highlights from the Exhibition

One of the standout collections in the exhibition is "Flint Is Family in Three Acts," which documents the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Frazier's collaboration with Shea Cobb and Amber Hasan illuminates the ongoing struggles faced by the community. Frazier's photographs capture the resilience and strength of the individuals she portrays, while also documenting the direct action taken to address the crisis.

Paying Homage to an Unsung Hero

Another intriguing element of the exhibition is Frazier's tribute to Sandra Gould Ford, a former Pittsburgh steelworker and self-taught photographer. Frazier's prints of Ford's haunting photographs, coupled with her own cyanotype prints of documents from the mill, pay homage to the often-ignored workers who have played a crucial role in America's industrial history.

Art and Activism: A Complex Intersection

Despite the compelling and thought-provoking nature of Frazier's work, the exhibition at MoMA raises questions about the role of the artist in addressing issues of inequality and the cost of art. Frazier's dedication to telling the stories of overlooked communities is admirable. However, the exhibition's presentation and its context within a prestigious institution like MoMA can feel detached from the realities she portrays. LaToya Ruby Frazier's "Monuments of Solidarity" is a significant retrospective that demonstrates the power of her photography and her dedication to storytelling. Frazier illuminates the struggles faced by working-class communities and gives voice to those who are often overlooked. However, the exhibition also prompts questions about the venue and presentation of such work, underscoring the tension between art and activism. Frazier's work highlights the power of photography as a tool for social change and invites us to reconsider the role of the artist in addressing inequality.