INVISIBLE MAN

INVISIBLE MAN It has been my observation that classism, racism and sexism are three of the most divisive issues in contemporary American culture. Ideally, my photos may aid in heightening the awareness and effect positive change to eliminate oppression. Invisible Man is a photo essay that was produced during the Summer of 1995. The images were photographed in the Gateway National Recreation Area; Fort Hancock - Sandy Hook, New Jersey and Fort Wadsworth - Staten Island, New York. There were three inspirations for the photo exhibition. • The deterioration of Fort Hancock and Fort Wadsworth since the government deactivated them in the mid 1970s. • Ralph Ellison's novel, Invisible Man: "I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone, fiber and liquids --- and I might even be said to possess a mind. I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me ... When they approach me they only see my surroundings, themselves, or figments of their imagination --- indeed, everything and anything except me." • The Supreme Court's 5-4 deactivation of affirmative action on June 12, 1995 in favor of Adarand Constructors v. Pena. The court ruled that racial classifications may be used as a "narrowly tailored" remedy for identifiable past discrimination. J. Michael Skaggs © 1995