Taking its name from the Pledge of Allegiance, "Indivisible: Stories of American Community" examines American strength and vitality through 12 diverse communities. With more than 150 photographs and more than an hour of total audio clips from the communities, the exhibit shows how people can all come together to accomplish a single goal.
A collaboration between the museum and The Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, the exhibit is a project that in itself represents a community effort. Tom Rankin, the center's director, and several associates took particular care in choosing the featured locations, trying to capture an atmosphere to which everyone can relate.
"We wanted to show that the community is independent and tap into that on a grassroots level," Rankin said. "This exhibit explores that foundation, looking at it through photography and audio."
Rankin added the collection blurs the line between art and documentary to create a portrayal of Americans that is geographically, culturally and artistically diverse -- the people featured range from Native Americans to Alaskan fishermen.
But grassroots heroism is the theme. "This exhibit is important because it shows how communities are connected when there is no great crisis," Rankin said. "People are responding to problems in a heroic way."
In addition to the varied photos of struggling farmers and hardworking midwives, the exhibit has audio clips capturing the feel of the community. Clips come from quotes chosen by the interviewers and background audio.
"The audio is not merely a supplement to the photographs but an integral part of the exhibit," said Elana Hadler, producer of the audio collection. "It puts you into the communities, giving you a feel for the entire experience."
The photographs ultimately work in a sequential pattern. Each flow into the next, telling one big story. The pictures depict everything from portraits of poor teenagers to massive landscapes, investigating every aspect of community in its own way.
"With all of the beautiful and pivotal pictures that we received, I found it impossible to cut any one," said David Steel, curator of European art at the museum. "Each photograph tells a personal story and also lends to the community theme."
