After conflicts have ended, what does it take to recover the heartbeat of humanity? An upcoming thought-provoking and transformative photography exhibit titled “How We Rebuild” will take viewers into the aftermath and the indomitable spirit of humanity in post-conflict zones.
The exhibit will be in Oklahoma City University’s Nona Jean Hulsey Art Gallery from June 16 to Aug. 11.
“How We Rebuild” draws from 12 years of compelling work by grant winners and finalists from The Aftermath Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to illuminating often-overlooked war stories – the arduous journey of individuals rebuilding shattered lives and homes, restoring civil societies, and rebuilding communities after conflicts have ceased.
Documentary photographer Sara Terry founded The Aftermath Project in an effort to impart the importance of “aftermath photography,” yearning for a society that doesn’t forget the people and places that conflict photography covers.
“If I can get you to care, then perhaps I can get you to think, and if I can get you to think, perhaps I can get you to act,” Terry said.
The exhibit is organized into three distinct sections. A prologue features conflict and post-conflict photographs from Bosnia, laying out the origin story of The Aftermath Project. The second section presents a suite of images by four photographers who explore historical American aftermaths, offering unique perspectives on resilience within the nation’s history. Finally, an international “wall of humanity” showcases a diverse collection of post-conflict images from around the globe, highlighting shared human experiences of recovery and hope.
The exhibit includes works by acclaimed photographers such as renowned war photographer Ron Haviv, along with several grant winners and finalists throughout the project’s history. It is enhanced by visual literacy frameworks and a wealth of public programming tools, designed to facilitate meaningful engagement and foster discussions around the vital role visual narratives play in helping communities heal.
“How We Rebuild” is organized by ExhibitsUSA, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. For more information about the project, visit theaftermathproject.org.
The Hulsey Art Gallery is located in OCU’s Norick Art Center at 1608 NW 26th St. Admission is free and summer hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. For more information visit okcu.edu/artgallery.
