ACI members at Hi-Arts' MI GENTE, El Barrio in the 80s

Hi-Arts show curator Carlos Mare give a private viewing to members of the Harlem Arts and Culture Initiative. Hi-ARTS is proud to present the work of the highly acclaimed documentary photographer Joseph Rodriguez. Photographed entirely in NYC’s famed El Barrio, Spanish Harlem from 1985-1990 this marks the first time he has exhibited these works in his beloved community. With this deeply moving series of photographs he forces us to remember a time before today’s newfound gentrification, a time before cafes and artistic bohemia, a time where poverty, high crime, drugs and a fledgling AIDS crisis held a community hostage. Rodriguez who beautifully captures the humanity, joy and love of his subjects by embedding himself intimately within many families’ lives and the community affords us an honest testimony of what it was like for those who lived through such perilous times. VIEWINGS Wednesday through Saturday | 1–6pm 304 E. 100th St. @ 2nd Ave. (6 Train to 96th ) Gallery Closes Nov. 11 2015 To schedule PRIVATE VIEWING please e-mail info@hi-artsnyc.org or call (718) 497-4282.