Mercedes Jelinek - These Americans, 2017

These Americans is a series of photographs depicting individuals who attended the Women’s March (January 21, 2017) on Washington DC. What began as an internet post after the election of Donald J. Drumpf, led to over 5 Million people attending marches worldwide; over 500,000 in Washington, D.C. alone. During a time of a polarized America, this day unified demonstrators, gave a voice to those who felt voiceless and fueled what many are calling the ‘Resistance.’

“I want us to really know us.”

Mercedes Jelinek produced these portraits to evoke dialogue about humanity and concepts of identity. Jelinek produced this work so the viewer can take infinite time to study each figure closer, recognize similarities and make connections with the strangers and interactions within each photograph.

Mercedes Jelinek is an artist working in New York. Jelinek is currently a Resident Artist at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. She holds a BFA in visual arts from SUNY Purchase College and an MFA from Louisiana State University. Her work has be exhibited globally and has been recently shown at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Gatson County Museum, Hinson Art Museum and Blowing Rock Museum.

BOOK DESIGN - Daniel Salemi
ESSAY - Jean W. McLaughlin

6 x 9" perfect bound, hardcover
68 pages
Limited edition of 300