ICP Teen Academy
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Growing up in Bushwick, Brooklyn, a densely populated neighborhood, the majority of the population is Hispanic. I have lived in this neighborhood for my entire life with my sister and immigrant parents. I often photograph at night when we are all together, returning from work and school. The connecting thread in my work are the shops, markets, and train stations that I visit with my family. Behind each location, there is a connection with my family. The subway and bakery are two places that hold core memories. My family and I have become loyal customers of the Mexican bakery that is a few blocks away from our home. It is very popular and often busy with customers. As a child, I remember going to this bakery at least once a week. Artwork and murals are seen when walking around the neighborhood. This artwork is important because it is a way our community can communicate with one another. It also adds joy and color. The subway can be found at the end of our block. We all travel together on weekends to the city or to visit family. In this photo essay, I explore the relationship between my family and neighborhood.
Litzy Puma is a 16-year-old Hispanic artist. She lives in Bushwick, Brooklyn, with her parents and sibling. She is a junior currently attending Bard High School Early College and is a student at the International Center of Photography (ICP). Litzy was first introduced to photography at the start of high school through a photography elective. While attending ICP’s Teen Academy Photo II in Digital: Creating a Body of Work course in 2020, she explored more and found a passion in photojournalism—trying to tell a story with her photographs or communicating a new truth she discovered. Through photography, she captures the relationship between relatives and everyday life in public spaces. Inspired by her community and family, she gains knowledge about the history behind these shared spaces and the artwork found on the walls.