Between January and November 2016, George Georgiou photographed spectators lining the streets of big cities and small towns across the United States of America, as they watched or waited for parades. He visited fourteen different states, twenty-four cities, and twenty-six parades. The visual approach was simple and eloquent. Standing on one side of the route, Georgiou would wait for a clear view to photograph a section of the group on the other. The New York Times saw some early examples and immediately supported the project, allowing Georgiou to make several extended trips from his home in England.

Georgiou photographed throughout the 2016 presidential campaigns. The first parade he visited was a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Long Beach, California. The last was in Brockton, Massachusetts, on November 26, shortly after Donald Trump had been elected president. Along the way, he photographed Gay Pride, Saint Patrick’s Day, Jesse James parades, Mermaid Parades, George Washington Day, Charro Days, the Fourth of July, Black History Month, Thanksgiving Day, and Mardi Gras.

 

Image: George Georgiou, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City, NY, November 26, 2016. © George Georgiou
A row of people on the intersection of Kings Blvd watching something out of frame. George Georgiou, Martin Luther King Day Parade, Los Angeles, California. January 18, 2016. © George Georgiou
A large crowd sitting on rocks and leaning against a police barricade watching something out of frame. 2) George Georgiou, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City, NY, November 26, 2016. © George Georgiou
A group photo of people outside. 3) George Georgiou, Marion County Country Ham Days, Pigasus Parade, Lebanon, Kentucky, September 24, 2016. © George Georgiou

Special Thanks

George Georgiou: Americans Parade has been made possible by generous support of the ICP Exhibitions Committee: Luana Alesio, Debby Brown, Michael Clinton, Marnie Gelfman, Almudena Legorreta, Elizabeth Richebourg Rea, Helena Sokoloff, and Heather Vrattos.

Exhibitions at ICP are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional exhibition support is provided by the Joseph and Joan Cullman Foundation for the Arts, Inc.