"Through The Lens of Witness" 

by Steven CW Taylor 

Artist Statement: 

Under the alias "The Time Thief," I'm sharing "Through the Lens of Witness," a close look at the complex situations I experienced during the George Floyd protests in Philadelphia on May 30th, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, sparked worldwide protests against police violence and systemic racism. As a photographer, I feel a duty to document my present contemporary experiences for future humans, taking inspiration from the iconic Gordon Parks and using photographic activism as my chosen form of artistic expression. 

Deeply immersed in the protests, I was able to capture the raw emotions and energy of the people involved. Converting the sensory experiences of sight, sound, and smell into images that make you think, reveals the complicated relationship between law enforcement and protesters. These photographs, taken against the backdrop of Philadelphia's historic City Hall area, draw attention to the tension and challenges communities face while seeking justice and equality, and questioning the role of law enforcement in maintaining fairness. This photographic journey underlines the uncomfortable truth that prioritizing the protection of property can contribute to racial injustice and violence. 

"Through the Lens of Witness" incorporates the philosophy of Ubuntu, emphasizing our shared human connections, and aims to ignite ongoing conversations about our collective responsibility in building a kind and inclusive world. I encourage you to explore the bravery and diverse personal experiences of those who marched during the George Floyd protests in Philadelphia. Together, we create a visual story that captures the spirit of change and the quest for a more equitable society for the generations to come.