REMEMBER THE EAST SIDE
DATE 2023
Hauling Local History, Sharing Stories, & Remembering the East Side.
PRINT DESIGN
INSTALLATION
ART DIRECTION
Remember the East Side is a social practice project initiated by Mariangela Rodriguez and Joshua Williams. The project took the form of a site-specific exhibition, featuring a U-Haul parked in the east side of Austin, Texas. The east side of Austin has been significantly impacted by gentrification, resulting in a decline in the Black and Latino population within this vibrant city. The primary goal was to shed light on the hidden history of the East Side and generate awareness about the nuances of gentrification. The lo-fi exhibition approach employed by the duo enabled them to connect with the community directly in the streets where they often gather.
To achieve this, Mariangela and Josh conducted interviews, canvassed the city of Austin, and developed complementary print materials. Their collaborative efforts successfully raised over $800. The profits were donated to Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC). The non-profit supports low-income families in Austin, contributing to their ongoing well-being.
To achieve this, Mariangela and Josh conducted interviews, canvassed the city of Austin, and developed complementary print materials. Their collaborative efforts successfully raised over $800. The profits were donated to Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC). The non-profit supports low-income families in Austin, contributing to their ongoing well-being.
Repackaging the Stories of East Side
ZINES
Zines were created using interviews conducted by Mariangela and Joshua, collectively engaging with enduring locals who continue to reside in the East Side. One of the interviewees, Brian Mays, owner of Sam’s BBQ, declined an $8 million offer for his valuable real estate. Brian is the third generation to occupy that space. He, in his own words, "Refuses to sell out."
Zines were created using interviews conducted by Mariangela and Joshua, collectively engaging with enduring locals who continue to reside in the East Side. One of the interviewees, Brian Mays, owner of Sam’s BBQ, declined an $8 million offer for his valuable real estate. Brian is the third generation to occupy that space. He, in his own words, "Refuses to sell out."
WINDOW PRINTS
After canvassing and captureing photographs of East Austin, images were placed within a window frame. The choice of a window serves as a metaphor, symbolizing the act of looking out from one's home into the outside world, capturing the inherent beauty of East Austin and the culture that remains present.
After canvassing and captureing photographs of East Austin, images were placed within a window frame. The choice of a window serves as a metaphor, symbolizing the act of looking out from one's home into the outside world, capturing the inherent beauty of East Austin and the culture that remains present.
PHOTO WALL
The group collaborated with John Langmore, a local photographer who documented the fragmentation of East Austin's Latino and Black communities from 2006 to 2011. Langmore's intention was to capture the distinctive character of the gentrifying neighborhood and raise community awareness about the individuals and locations negatively impacted by the state's growth. "Fault Lines," his photography book showcasing this documentation, includes over a hundred color and black-and-white photographs taken during this period. With Langmore's permission, the photos were printed and displayed on the back wall of the U-Haul, serving as a tribute to the culture that once thrived in that part of the city.
The group collaborated with John Langmore, a local photographer who documented the fragmentation of East Austin's Latino and Black communities from 2006 to 2011. Langmore's intention was to capture the distinctive character of the gentrifying neighborhood and raise community awareness about the individuals and locations negatively impacted by the state's growth. "Fault Lines," his photography book showcasing this documentation, includes over a hundred color and black-and-white photographs taken during this period. With Langmore's permission, the photos were printed and displayed on the back wall of the U-Haul, serving as a tribute to the culture that once thrived in that part of the city.
WHERE ALL THEY PRINTS
Utilizing photographs captured by John Langmore, these prints visually highlight the disappearance of the vibrant Black and Latino community.
Utilizing photographs captured by John Langmore, these prints visually highlight the disappearance of the vibrant Black and Latino community.
WE’RE STILL HERE PRINTS
The prints showcase cut-outs of resilient community members' silhouettes who have opted to remain centrally located. When held to the light, their faces appear alongside the inscription "We're still here." The intention is to illustrate the fragments of the past that endure in the city. You have to look in the right places.
The prints showcase cut-outs of resilient community members' silhouettes who have opted to remain centrally located. When held to the light, their faces appear alongside the inscription "We're still here." The intention is to illustrate the fragments of the past that endure in the city. You have to look in the right places.
THEN & NOW PIRNTS
Churches, restaurants, and various businesses once frequented and owned by the Black and Latino community in East Austin no longer exist. These prints aim to preserve the erosion of culture in this area by showcasing those structures and illustrating what now occupies their space.
Churches, restaurants, and various businesses once frequented and owned by the Black and Latino community in East Austin no longer exist. These prints aim to preserve the erosion of culture in this area by showcasing those structures and illustrating what now occupies their space.
NEWSPAPER
The newspaper showcased a passage from Fault Lines of the esteemed community leader, Wilhelmina Delco, recounting the impact of gentrification in East Austin. Delco made history as Austin's first Black elected official in 1968 on the Austin Independent School District board of trustees and served ten terms in the Texas House of Representatives. The front page was inspired by the vintage design of the Austin Chronicle— Austin, TX's local newspaper.
The newspaper showcased a passage from Fault Lines of the esteemed community leader, Wilhelmina Delco, recounting the impact of gentrification in East Austin. Delco made history as Austin's first Black elected official in 1968 on the Austin Independent School District board of trustees and served ten terms in the Texas House of Representatives. The front page was inspired by the vintage design of the Austin Chronicle— Austin, TX's local newspaper.
PHOTOS
