PHILADELPHIA, September 27, 2022 — Fleisher Art Memorial is pleased to present Under One Sky: Reflecting Immigrant Communities, The Photographs of Harvey Finkle, 1982-2018, a retrospective of social documentary photographer Harvey Finkle’s work on view in Fleisher’s Dene M. Louchheim Galleries from September 26 through November 5, 2022. Since the 1970s, Finkle has captured the essence of various communities—notably immigrant communities in Philadelphia—and political movements, as well as a wide range of human emotions with his dedicated lens. The exhibition is a survey of Finkle’s work covering nearly four decades and the most extensive exhibition of the artist’s work with immigrant communities to date.

Curated by David Acosta, artistic director for Casa de Duende, Under One Sky is arranged thematically in a conscious effort not to segregate groups while showcasing 17 immigrant communities living in different Philadelphia neighborhoods. As Acosta explains in the exhibition’s curatorial statement, “It was clear to me from the beginning that I did not want to separate the groups by country of origin and/or ethnicity, but rather present them through a thematic arrangement that captured people engaged in the rituals of daily life.” Moments featured in the exhibition include community celebrations, religious observances, instances of political advocacy, protests, rites of passage, dance, and play.

“We are all human beings deserving of compassion, kindness and care as we navigate a complicated and uncertain landscape during our journey to find a better way of life,“ states Interim Executive Director Rebecca O’Leary, citing Finkle’s retrospective as an important reminder. Under One Sky is part of a monthlong celebration also featuring the Founder’s Award Ceremony honoring immigrant rights activist Leticia Roa Nixon and Fleisher’s 10th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration.

Over the course of his career, Finkle has exhibited in numerous galleries and institutions including the Institute of Contemporary Art, The Painted Bride Center, the National Museum of American Jewish History, and Cornell University. The artist’s work is in both private and public collections including the Free Library of Philadelphia, The Newseum, and the School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

Fleisher will hold an opening reception for Under One Sky on Saturday, October 1 from 6–8 pm. As part of their exhibition programming, Fleisher will also host In Conversation with Harvey Finkle and Community Leaders on Friday, October 7 at 6 pm. The panel discussion with the artist and local community leaders will be moderated by Leticia Roa Nixon. All events are free and open to the public.

About Casa de Duende

Casa de Duende commissions, curates, and produces art exhibitions and performances with contemporary artists which focus on the social relevance of art and art making as a tool for questioning the meaning and role of art and the artist in contemporary culture. Through a collaborative process between artists and communities we are dedicated to presenting socially relevant art that addresses critical contemporary issues. Casa de Duende presents artists as insightful social critics whose products transform the language through which we view, hear, see, and come to understand our world and ourselves.