From the Rust Belt to the Bible Belt

"From The Rust Belt to The Bible Belt" by Suzi Altman

August 2 - September 5, 2022

Artist Reception: Thursday, August 4 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Artist Bio

I am a New Yorker, living and working in the deep South—specifically Mississippi— for over 20 years. My work focuses on race, civil rights, the South, and everyday life. I focus my camera on the underrepresented in society to shed light on those who have not been heard traditionally, to give a voice and platform to those who need it most. I started my career in New York City at The Associated Press after an internship at Rolling Stone Magazine and another with acclaimed photographer Mary Ellen Mark over thirty years ago. In addition, I have photographed the Mississippi Delta for over 20 years, including the rich cultural heritage, the civil rights history, the deep religious roots, and the music and musicians it has produced. I have also been an event photographer for over 30 years.

My camera has been my ticket to explore the world. Photography allows me to focus on making the world a better place by using my camera as a tool to illustrate the issues I am passionate about. Some of my work is in the Permanent Collection at The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) Washington, D.C., and the Permanent Collection at the Mississippi Museum of Art. My work has also appeared in The New York Times, London Financial Times, Time Magazine, Rolling Stone Magazine, The New York Post, AFP, Reuters News Agency, and more.

Artist Statement

I was born in Youngstown, Ohio, the heart of the Rust Belt; spent my teen years developing my photography skills in and around New York City; then moved to Mississippi, the heart of the Bible Belt. The geographical and environmental differences are immediately apparent; it takes a bit longer to see the similarities.

This collection of images was made over a few years, traveling the backroads of Mississippi to Ohio. During my travels, I have documented everyday life and ordinary people. I have explored these environments’ often overlooked spiritual and religious aspects, looking for the similarities and finding the extraordinary hidden in plain sight. These images represent the world we live in and that we all have something in common — whether it’s the love of our home, music, or religion. This group of images is only a small portion of the collection “From the Rust Belt to the Bible Belt,” and it is a topic I will continue to explore.

Suzi Altman