Philadelphia artist spends years discovering what city workers observe from their windows.

In an intriguing convergence of history and modernity, photographer Emilio Martínez Poppe has revisited a significant location in Philadelphia that witnessed the dawn of American photography over 180 years ago. The site, where Joseph Saxton captured the nation’s oldest surviving photograph in 1839, now serves as the backdrop for Martínez Poppe’s contemporary project titled “Civic Views.” This initiative illustrates a striking contrast between the hazy imagery from the past and the clarity of today’s digital photography.

Martínez Poppe’s new work captures the perspective from the windows of Philadelphia’s municipal buildings, shedding light on what city employees see throughout their daily lives. The images reflect not only the physical view but also the emotional and personal connections that these workers have to their roles within the city. By photographing their views, he aims to tell the stories of over twenty city agency employees, many of whom expressed a strong sense of identity with their work, encapsulated in the sentiment, “I am the city.”

The artist’s approach involves demonstrating how public servants engage with the evolving landscape of Philadelphia—grappling with challenges such as gentrification while offering essential services to the community. The exhibit, which will open on May 23 and run through June 11 in the courtyard of City Hall, is commissioned by Mural Arts Philadelphia. It features not only images but also audio recordings of workers articulating their motivations for public service.

Martínez Poppe’s photography project arose amid the COVID-19 pandemic when many municipal buildings were empty. Nevertheless, the return of city employees to their offices has highlighted the nuanced relationship they have with their workspaces, ranging from views of vibrant urban scenes to stark concrete walls. Current city employees have shared personal anecdotes about their reasons for choosing public service careers, often influenced by familial encouragement and collective community ties.

The exhibition will disseminate these messages, promoting a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and experiences of municipal workers. By placing larger-than-life prints on scaffolding within the exhibit, Martínez Poppe intends to symbolize the city’s ongoing transformation, emphasizing that while institutions can seem permanent and unyielding, they too are shaped by human effort.

As the city undergoes continuous change, Martínez Poppe’s work stands as a testament to the dedication of public employees, illustrating the dichotomy of their roles in fostering a community while navigating systemic challenges. The project aims to evoke appreciation for the public services that significantly contribute to the quality of life in Philadelphia, reinforcing the notion that these individuals are not mere cogs in a bureaucratic machine, but vital agents of change.

Overall, “Civic Views” not only commemorates a pivotal moment in Philadelphia’s photographic history but also enriches the narrative of its present-day custodians, inviting viewers to reflect on the evolution of urban life and the enduring impact of those who serve its community.

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