Permanent link for Artists Responding to Crisis: Hurricane katrina on April 27, 2020

Student Perspective provided by:
Megan Daniels
Major: Studio Art
Minor: Public & Nonprofit Administration
Class of 2023

Mustang Drive, Arabi, St. Bernard Parish, LA
St. Claude Ave, Lower 9th Ward, New Orleans
Forstall Street, Lower 9th Ward, New Orleans
Steven L. Smith
Giclée Inkjet Prints
2006
2007.401.1
2007.377.1
2007.385.1

"When hurricane Katrina hit the United States in August of 2005, I was only 4 years old and unable to remember or understand the tragedy of this natural disaster. Ten years later in July of 2015, I went on a week-long mission trip to New Orleans, LA- specifically in the Lower 9th Ward where evidence of Katrina’s devastation on communities still remained.

While working for the Grand Valley State University Art Gallery, I came across a series of photographs in the collection titled 'The Katrina Landscape.' These photographs were created by GVSU Professor Steven L. Smith. The images immediately brought me back to what I witnessed in New Orleans during my mission trip. Reflecting on that experience and comparing it the COVID-19 pandemic we face today; I consider the different ways people respond to crisis. The Katrina Landscape photographs and the COVID-19 images we see on the news today evoke empathy, and give me an understanding of the tragedies people endure." - Megan Daniels

To view more artwork by Steven L. Smith visit the GVSU Online Art Collection. 

Categories: Student Perspectives
Posted on Permanent link for Artists Responding to Crisis: Hurricane katrina on April 27, 2020.