COMMISSIONED JUDGE, MANIK KATYAL ON JUSTIN MAXON, THE WINNER OF THE SIXTH RPS GRANT

6TH RPS GRANTEE ©JUSTIN MAXON

6TH RPS GRANTEE ©JUSTIN MAXON

6TH RPS GRANTEE ©JUSTIN MAXON

“The Sun Village is an extraordinary culmination of what has become an important journey for Justin Maxon, as he says, ” With this work, I want people to understand the true complexities of living in a community like Chester. How everything is interlocked: a patchwork of trauma and courage. A woven legacy deeply rooted in the foundation of American society. ”

Justin Maxon is set out to explore an important aspect in his ongoing Chester project which talks about the domino effect of socio-economic issues in Chester which has existed for decades.

For this series, Justin has spent over 6 years photographing the people of Chester.  Call it the human catastrophes of the modern American age but Chester has its own problems, from one of the highest crime rate in USA to long history of corruption and community conflict. This project is an attempt to bring awareness to the issues that plague many inner city Black communities, like Chester.

I see a very strong personal relationship with the people and the place where Justin is trying to give these marginalised individuals the attention and second glance they deserve but so seldom get.”

Manik Katyal
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Emaho Magazine

**Justin Maxon, his show is scheduled in November, 2014 at the Reminders Photography Stronghold Gallery.