This exhibition of large portrait photographs, entitled Faces of the other: Encounters in the midst of the city, shows that people in our world—those we walk past daily—can be approached and understood. It demonstrates our similarities rather than our differences. Each portrait brings viewers into its space in an intimate and loving way and, in this highly technological age, portrays our humanity in an analog medium. The subjects in these photos, while all different, are brought together in this exhibition to help us understand that we are alike in many ways. The photographs in this exhibition, 3 feet x 5 feet, are mounted on the fences that surround Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston until December 1, 2022. The people in the images are portrayed as larger than life, and we can see them up close. Their eyes look directly at us in a non-threatening way. They say we mean you no harm.

About the Artist

Joe C. Aker is an internationally recognized Architectural Photographer and Artist.  His architectural work has appeared in all the major architectural magazines, and he has photographed projects for major architects and developers.  He was recognized as Artist of the Year by the Houston AIA chapter in 2007.  He grew up in Oklahoma City and has a degree in Marketing and Economics from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, and a degree in Photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York.  He opened his own photography studio in 1978 and continues to operate it today as Aker Imaging.  In 2005, Joe began to exhibit his own fine artwork.  His work has appeared in numerous museum group shows and is now in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.  He has lectured on photography worldwide.  More info at www.facesoftheother.com.