Bronx Documentary Center hosts online photo auction with half the proceeds going back to photographers

The small but distinguished Bronx Documentary Center in New York was founded by The New York Times war photographer and local resident Michael Kamber to bring important documentary work to its diverse community. Now, over 70 per cent of participants and visitors to its shows, workshops, lectures and tours come from the Bronx, including the contributors to its annual photo auction. The centre is non-profit, hence, it raised funds through programs such as this auction, but this year – as per the state of the world – is different. For one, it will be held online and give 50 per cent of proceeds back to photographers struggling during the pandemic, the auction is unwavering in its showcase of vibrant and educational images from the likes of Richard Sandler and Yael Martinez, plus tons of exciting emerging photographers.

Among the photographs up for auction are Jared Soares’ Lawrence, a powerful shot capturing Hampton University Force drum major Lawrence Suggs ahead of the annual homecoming parade in Hampton, Virginia. Commissioned by The Fader as part of a series on homecoming and shortlisted for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize in 2018, the year Alice Mann’s Drummies series on all-female majorettes won the top prize, it is the first time Soares’ image will be up for sale.

Also notable in the auction are Fred Ramos’ portrait of an 18-year-old bride on her wedding day in Guatemala; Serkan Çolak’s inimitable snapshot of Turkish children in a Mehmet Tanhan election van in 2011; and Bud Glick’s moving portrait of married couple Mr and Mrs Chow, for the New York Chinatown History Project.

Also featured are Johis Alarcón, Daniella Zalcman, Inbal Abergil, Mauricio Palos, Matthew Genitempo, Jared Soares and Stephanie Foden. Many have featured in publications from the Washington Post to Time.

Auction prints and photobooks are available to bid on until 8pm EST 22 October 2020, when the gallery will host a virtual celebration.