Join us at CC4PJ for a special Face to Face artist talk with acclaimed documentary and street photographer Stephen Marc on Wednesday, February 26, from 7–9 PM. Stephen Marc is renowned for his explorations of American history and culture. His work often delves into themes of identity, heritage, and the American experience.

Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Marc is a visual storyteller whose work spans decades, capturing the depth of Black life and culture through street photography and digital montage. He has been a Guggenheim Fellow, an NEA grant recipient, and a professor at Arizona State University since 1998, following twenty years at Columbia College Chicago.

Now, after years away, Stephen Marc is back in Chicago—his hometown—and we’re honored to host this special conversation about his work, his process, and his perspective on documentary photography.

© Stephen Marc

Marc's contributions have provided valuable insights into the African American experience and the broader American cultural landscape. Below is a list of his notable books and projects:
Books:

1. Urban Notions (1983): This early work showcases Marc's initial foray into capturing urban life and its nuances.

2. The Black Trans-Atlantic Experience: Street Life and Culture in Ghana, Jamaica, England, and the United States (1992): In this book, Marc examines the interconnectedness of Black cultures across the Atlantic, highlighting street life and cultural expressions in various countries.

3. Passage on the Underground Railroad (2009): A profound exploration of the historical routes and stories of the Underground Railroad, this work has been recognized as an Interpretative Program of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom by the National Park Service.

4. American/True Colors (2021): This publication offers a comprehensive photographic survey of America and its people, capturing the nation's identity and sense of place from coast to coast.

Projects:

• Passage on the Underground Railroad: Beyond the book, this project encompasses a broader initiative to document and interpret the history of the Underground Railroad through photography, contributing significantly to educational and historical discourses.