Today's Document

Announced earlier this month, this piece “iRevolution” by Anna L. is the Grand Prize winner in the Documerica-inspired Document Your Environment contest!

Judge Michael Philip Manheim, one of the original Documerica photographers, evaluated artwork in the Graphic Art category. Anna’s piece, from the 18+ student group, was chosen by Michael as “his favorite of all, contemporary and inclusive, executed in a striking format that dramatically compels attention.”

“We are taught that we matter and our opinions matter. In recent times, people in this society have been speaking out about injustices that they see and that they want changed. The method of promoting this movement has taken advantage of the availability of technology that we have today. We carry cell phones with us at all times that connect us to the interwoven Internet that allows us to be connected with friends and strangers alike. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have become the norm of how information gets shared and distributed to the masses. We live in a world where people really do speak their minds and we are shown that we, the people, can make a difference.”

Anna was inspired by a Documerica photo by Jim Olive: Children in Fort Smith Are Learning That Protecting the Environment Will Take More Than Awareness 06/1972

The Grand Prize Winner was chosen by the Archivist of the United States, David Ferriero, as the recipient of $500, courtesy of the Foundation for the National Archives. The Archivist chose iRevolution as the winner because Anna’s “perspective prompted me to reflect on the relationship between technology and citizens of today’s world, activism and revolution, and the role of communication, documentary evidence, and the historical record. ”

Source: blogs.archives.gov