BALTIMORE REFRESH

Forum for Radical Imagination on Environmental Cultures

Exhibition Title

photographs by Steffi Graham

Produced in collaboration with The USDA Forest Service, this exhibition explores the work of photographer Steffi Graham, who captured life in a community where desperation gave birth to resilience. Join as seeds, soil, and human will bring hope to a neighborhood that had suffered decades of systemic neglect.

ENTER THE EXHIBITION

U.S. Forest Service and The Nature of Cities logos with web link to www.ufsarts.com
A black and white photo of a young, Black man squatted in the grass, with his left hand on his head, looking with awe at a turtle he is holding in his right hand.
Steffi Graham, Michael and the turtle, Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore MD. 1992

Introduction

Steffi Graham photographed the community in Franklin Square, Baltimore in 1992-1995 as residents of all ages came together to challenge and reverse the physical and emotional damage caused by systemic racism and disinvestment from critical city resources. Overwhelmed, at times, as pleas for help have gone unanswered for decades. Frustrated as home-grown solutions are ignored by city leaders as local knowledge does not fit within the confines of bureaucracy. Determination and desperation take hold. Community residents use what is most accessible: a handful of seeds, soil, and vacant lots. They drew upon what was ever present: faith, life, and friendship. A powerful strength emerges through a crack in the sidewalk, a vine that creeps down the alleyway, and a tree that grows defiantly in places of play, song, story, and love.

Navigate the Exhibition ⇩

ROOM 1
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 4
CREDITS
Steffi Graham, Ms. Shirley’s Garden, Baltimore, MD 1994. 

PART 1: seeds, soil, and vacant lots

Overwhelmed, at times, as pleas for help have gone unanswered for decades. Frustrated as home-grown solutions are ignored by city leaders as local knowledge does not fit within the confines of bureaucracy. Determination and desperation take hold. Community residents use what is most accessible: a handful of seeds, soil, and vacant lots. They drew upon what was ever present: faith, life, and friendship. A powerful strength emerges through a crack in the sidewalk, a vine that creeps down the alleyway, and a tree that grows defiantly in places of play, song, story, and love.

VIEW THE IMAGES ⇩

A black and white photo of several young, Black people gathered underneath a tree with papers in their hands, one young woman reaching for a leaf on the tree with curiosity in her eyes.
A black and white photo of a Black city parks worker looking eye to eye with an owl being held by a handler at an outdoor animal sanctuary.
A black and white photo of a young, Black boy posing seriously with his pigeon resting on his shoulder
A black and white photo of a young, Black man laying on his back head overhanging the edge of a mountain looking to his right at what is below. The leafless forest below is visible in the background.
A black and white photo of a young, Black girl studies the leaves and small berries of a dogwood tree.
A black and white photo of a young, Black man squatted in the grass, with his left hand on his head, looking with awe at a turtle he is holding in his right hand.
A black and white photo of a Black man squatting in a community garden planting a tomato plant.