Snapshot America
A Portrait of these United States
Building on an idea laid down by Edward Steichen in The Family of Man exhibition, expanded on by Robert Frank in The Americans and with a small nod to 24hrs in Cyberspace, by Rick Smolan we assembled America’s portrait in 2024. A project that has been on my mind and in the planning stages for a long time, we timed this juried exhibition to be on view in the gallery as we enter the upcoming National Election. I have juried a collection of images from around the country, to look at ideas of community, friends, neighborhoods, local events, landmarks and just everyday activities that represent life in America today. These are not necessarily my ideas, but represent, in broad strokes, the views and the issues portrayed in the images submitted. This juried call was open to entries from all 50 states and 14 Territories that comprise the United States of America. While smaller in scale and scope than the three projects I drew inspiration from, I am pleased to be able to present this current portrait of these United States of America in 2024.
– David DeMelim,
Managing Director,
RI Center for Photographic Arts
Snapshot America: a Portrait of these United States

Presented in tandem with Fading Glimpses of the Midwest: by Robin W. Bailey
Gallery Night Providence Reception: October 17th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Exhibition: Thursday, October 17th thru Friday, November 15th
Click the image to take a virtual walk through the exhibition
Curatorial Statement: Snapshot America: A Portrait of these United States in 2024
The images in this exhibition were culled from a national call for entries, open to entries from all 50 states and 14 Territories that comprise the United States of America today. We struggled to cut the overwhelming number of images entered down to a meaningful selection that might actually fit on the gallery walls. The first round went relatively quickly and we were able to identify repeating themes and eliminate a few of the redundant images. Next came the challenge of trying to find the very best individual image to stand in or represent each particular event or view of America. This round went more slowly and unfortunately many thoughtful and well executed photographs had to be left out at this stage.
Our goal was to create a snapshot of America today using as wide a lens as possible. With this in mind, limiting ubiquitous events, like 4th of July Parades and County Fairs, that happen across the country, down one or two images that best represent that particular slice of life in America allowed room to present a fuller look at the times we live in. Looking for the images that captured, or presented ideas with the broadest range of interest became the next filter. This was NOT a value judgment on the event or idea the photograph represented per se, but a judgment on how readable the photograph was. Would someone from half way across the country, or half a century into the future, be able to connect with the image? Would they recognize or be able to connect with the story the image presents? Would it motivate them to use Google (or whatever search engine is currently in vogue) to learn more about the event pictured? Would it trigger a memory of a similar event or serve as a reminder to some current struggle and engender a little empathy? These were some of the considerations as we tried to fit the whole country into a gallery exhibition. With an original target of 60 images to make up this gallery exhibition we were challenged to include every idea or view of America today, and we failed to hold to just 60 images…
The resulting exhibition presents a look at these United States of America today in broad strokes… a Snapshot of this moment in time. It is a portrait built out the images submitted that hopefully will spark conversations, trigger memories and possibly even drive change. I won’t soon forget the experience of putting this project together and the images submitted, included or not, and am grateful for all the photographers who entered work to help us make this Portrait of America. A great many strong photographs had to left out as we endeavored to be as inclusive in presenting events and ideas from around the country.
In the final analysis, we gravitated to the images that required no setup, they were understandable, or recognizable… they had the ability to communicate without a title, with out words to explain their context or intended meaning. While some of the images are a little obtuse they all speak to present issues and concerns, some more directly than others. I hope you enjoy this look at these United States of America as we enter another National election on November 5th 2024.
– David DeMelim
Recreational Vehicle; Portland, OR © by Robert Gervais
The RI Center for Photographic Arts, RICPA 118 N. Main St. Providence, RI 02903
Located in the heart of Providence, RICPA was founded to inspire creative development and provide opportunities to engage with the community through exhibitions, education, publication, and mutual support.
RICPA exists to create a diverse and supportive community for individuals interested in learning or working in the Photographic Arts. We strive to provide an environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas in an open and cooperative space. Members should share a passion for creating, appreciating, or learning about all forms of photo-based media. We work to provide a platform for artistic expression, that fosters dialogue and drives innovation in the photographic arts.
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Questions: Contact gallery@riphotocenter.org To learn about other RICPA exhibits and programs, visit https://www.riphotocenter.org
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