Although we now collectively capture billions of fleeting moments, only a tiny fraction get printed or are intended to have lasting impact. What will the people of Ghent have to look back on in the future? With these portraits, photographer Richard Beaven aimed to build a sense of place, a feel for the small Hudson Valley town of Ghent by drawing on a combination of its people and environment, creating a narrative of the town through those who live and work there. Motivated by the town’s 2018 bicentennial, he spent a year connecting with possible subjects, most of whom were strangers. Ultimately, he made two hundred and seventy-five portraits. A box containing prints of all the portraits now resides at the Ghent town hall.

“In many ways I see my community simultaneously as an insider (because I live here) and as an outsider (I am a British). I thank my Ghent neighbors for their time, support, and the gift of understanding that we truly have more in common than that which separates us.” – Richard Beaven

How to View

During the day, the installment can be viewed on monitors inside the ICP Museum and during evening hours, images are literally “projected” onto the windows of the ICP Museum; they can be viewed from the sidewalk outside the Museum and are most visible after sunset. Learn more about Projected.

About the Artist

Richard Beaven is a freelance editorial and documentary photographer living and working in the Hudson Valley of New York. Eight years ago, following a career in advertising, studying people and their behavior, Beaven quit for photography and has been working professionally and for personal projects since. His portrait work has recently featured in the National Portrait Gallery Portrait Prize (UK), National Press Photographers Association/Best of Photojournalism, and American Photography 33.

 

Image: © Richard Beaven