You may have heard some buzz about Duke Givens. His passion for photography led him to capture important images of his friends at a time when inner city youth were faced with difficult and dangerous choices. This passion led, more recently, to his creating a film, “The Game Don’t Change – Just The Players,” that opened to rave reviews and accolades from community and municipal leaders. This success inspired him to return to photography, but point his lens in a different direction.
The Cultural Alliance for Long Beach is presenting an exhibition of The Power of Choice, which include Duke’s photographic work from 20 years ago, and work he created in the last few months. A similar exhibition is being presented in the Expo Arts Building on Friday, February 7, as part of the monthly First Fridays Art Walk in Bixby Knolls.
“I created a body of photographic work, 20 years ago, that pointed out an issue about gangs in the inner city of Long Beach. I wanted to show the power of choice in picture form, without words, that tells the story that while every community has issues, this community also serves on every level of service to the city. We have judges, doctors, policemen, bankers, and lawyers, for example.
“All the people featured in my exhibition are mentors. From the churches to our social gatherings, like sports, there are men and women striving to assist children of every race to make a better world. I know them all to some degree, and respect their service to Long Beach. My selection process was fairly easy: It take a village to raise a child, and here is a part of that village.
“Both sets of images are unique, in that the trust level is there on all sides. I show the images of the gang life of yesteryear and, today, you see images of our business community. To see both sides of a race of people being captured in photography is more than unique. I think it’s awesome!”
The CALB gallery, located at 729 Pine Avenue, is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 4-9PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5PM. The Expo Arts Center is located at 4321 Atlantic Avenue, and Duke’s photos will be on display from 6-9:30PM.
On Saturday, February 8th, CALB will be hosting an artist reception, where Duke will also be celebrating the DVD release of his film, The Game Don’t Change – Just The Players. Admission is free to all events.