
Washington D.C. is both living illusion and allusion. Being the center of U.S. bureaucracy, power, and wealth, D.C is also the epicenter of American poverty. The very most powerful and wealthy live next door (well not exactly) to some of those most greatly exploited, oppressed, and neglected.
A fitting representation of the functions of the system therein, D.C. is the home to the nation’s highest infant mortality, teenage pregnancy, and AIDS infection rates. Sixteen percent of local children live far below the poverty line, while our governmental leaders tangle with one another for greater power and money, while millions of tourists per year grace the marble steps and golden pillars on which our nation was built with the blood, sweat, and tears of those most deprived of the bounties of American “capital.”
Kike Arnal has provided a powerful photo essay expressing the contradictions of our nation as represented by Washington, D.C.
“In the Shadow of Power” exposes the “sobering statistics” that “suggest mental images not normally associated with the seat of American democracy…most people, even most residents of Washington, hardly notice the harsh reality that underlies these statistics. Tourists enjoy the stately architecture, many museums and stunning monuments and the professional class circulates largely between upscale or newly gentrified neighborhoods and their workplaces. Elements indicative of failure or hardship and those of apparent success seldom intersect in Washington. The images in this booklet reflect…ongoing explorations of the city, and…all of Washington in purposeful swings across its social and cultural landscape.”
To see these images visit Kike Arnal’s website, click on Features, then scroll to find “In the Shadow of Power: Life in the World’s Most Powerful Capital.”
Charta has published the photos in book form with a forward by Fred Ritchin and an introduction by Ralph Nader. You can purchase the book at Artbook.
Better yet, if you live in the D.C. area, come to Busboys and Poets at 2021 14 St. N.W. tonight at 6 p.m. and see Kike Arnal and Ralph Nader speak about the project, sign books, etc. The event is free and open to the public.