Your Bio
LuzSelenia Salas
Artist Statement
My family migrated from Puerto Rico to North Philadelphia in the early fifties. My parents stressed the need to learn English and most importantly to maintain our cultural heritage through the Spanish language, music, religion, food and other customs. Many of the families that migrated around the same era still keep in touch and are involved in many of the city wide efforts in ensuring the representation of the Hispanic and other communities.
My work as a photographer/artist consists of thirty-four years of change in the communities in which I have lived. In my photographs I capture the everyday people, whether in a parade, a fiesta in the barrio, a vigil for a loved one, injustice, political, religious traditions and the living conditions.
I am inspired by a desire to capture the diversity of our culture. The Everyday Person is essential not only for me but as a part of the community-at-large. I want to to share my own personal interests in documenting and keeping the issues of domestic violence, urban blight, homelessness, politics and religion at a high visual awareness level.
I was born in Puerto Rico, moved to Philadelphia and returned to the island in 1976. I photographed the people from the island including students from first to third grade. Throughout the years I have worked with domestic violence survivors. I not only focus on the struggles of the community at large but also on the cultural and musical aspects of which our community is so much a part of.
The impact of my photographs has been intense and someone once stated that I photograph “odd” things/people. The people and places I photograph create an awareness of the need for social change.
I have taken photographs since 1972. In the last five years I have been able to share and exhibit my photographs with other artists. One comment from another artist regarding my photographs was “Your photographs have power and a real presence.” “You do it well, without sensationalization or editorializing, just a straight forward look.” The ongoing sharing of the subjects I photograph creates a continuous interest and communication in the need for social change. My visual experience is motivated by urban change. My compassion for the homeless, domestic violence, dance and musical experiences not only enhances my passion for the arts but I can visually share my experiences with others.
I feel the most important thing to know about my work is the impact that my photographs have on the community at large. Whether I photograph the “Feria del Barrio”, a “Commemorative Vigil”, or a “Domestic Violence March” I capture an image that will enable you to become a part of the event. I have focused on the “everyday person” and the urban scenic changes. I see a sunset in North Philadelphia and capture the beauty in the midst of the blight. I want raise consciousness about the quality of life and provoke thought about the trials and tribulations that the everyday person must overcome.
I purchased my first camera when I graduated from High school. When I look through the lens I feel a personal connection with the subject. When I photographed Ruby, a homeless woman, we talked about her involvement with politics. The homeless man in the park sat deep in thought unaware of my presence. When I share my photos with others it impacts me in a positive way because I can see, hear and feel the reaction about the way I capture the everyday person with dignity.
My goal is to share the many images I have captured throughout the years with the community at large. I capture sadness, joy and economic changes in both Philadelphia and Puerto Rico. This also includes the changes in fashion and hairstyles. To me it so important that no matter who you are and what opinion others have of you that your image be reflected in a dignified and respectable manner.
I am the mother of five children and grandmother to five grandchildren. I encourage them and they encourage me to continue documenting and developing the images of the “everyday people” and their communities.
Artist Statement
My family migrated from Puerto Rico to North Philadelphia in the early fifties. My parents stressed the need to learn English and most importantly to maintain our cultural heritage through the Spanish language, music, religion, food and other customs. Many of the families that migrated around the same era still keep in touch and are involved in many of the city wide efforts in ensuring the representation of the Hispanic and other communities.
My work as a photographer/artist consists of thirty-four years of change in the communities in which I have lived. In my photographs I capture the everyday people, whether in a parade, a fiesta in the barrio, a vigil for a loved one, injustice, political, religious traditions and the living conditions.
I am inspired by a desire to capture the diversity of our culture. The Everyday Person is essential not only for me but as a part of the community-at-large. I want to to share my own personal interests in documenting and keeping the issues of domestic violence, urban blight, homelessness, politics and religion at a high visual awareness level.
I was born in Puerto Rico, moved to Philadelphia and returned to the island in 1976. I photographed the people from the island including students from first to third grade. Throughout the years I have worked with domestic violence survivors. I not only focus on the struggles of the community at large but also on the cultural and musical aspects of which our community is so much a part of.
The impact of my photographs has been intense and someone once stated that I photograph “odd” things/people. The people and places I photograph create an awareness of the need for social change.
I have taken photographs since 1972. In the last five years I have been able to share and exhibit my photographs with other artists. One comment from another artist regarding my photographs was “Your photographs have power and a real presence.” “You do it well, without sensationalization or editorializing, just a straight forward look.” The ongoing sharing of the subjects I photograph creates a continuous interest and communication in the need for social change. My visual experience is motivated by urban change. My compassion for the homeless, domestic violence, dance and musical experiences not only enhances my passion for the arts but I can visually share my experiences with others.
I feel the most important thing to know about my work is the impact that my photographs have on the community at large. Whether I photograph the “Feria del Barrio”, a “Commemorative Vigil”, or a “Domestic Violence March” I capture an image that will enable you to become a part of the event. I have focused on the “everyday person” and the urban scenic changes. I see a sunset in North Philadelphia and capture the beauty in the midst of the blight. I want raise consciousness about the quality of life and provoke thought about the trials and tribulations that the everyday person must overcome.
I purchased my first camera when I graduated from High school. When I look through the lens I feel a personal connection with the subject. When I photographed Ruby, a homeless woman, we talked about her involvement with politics. The homeless man in the park sat deep in thought unaware of my presence. When I share my photos with others it impacts me in a positive way because I can see, hear and feel the reaction about the way I capture the everyday person with dignity.
My goal is to share the many images I have captured throughout the years with the community at large. I capture sadness, joy and economic changes in both Philadelphia and Puerto Rico. This also includes the changes in fashion and hairstyles. To me it so important that no matter who you are and what opinion others have of you that your image be reflected in a dignified and respectable manner.
I am the mother of five children and grandmother to five grandchildren. I encourage them and they encourage me to continue documenting and developing the images of the “everyday people” and their communities.
