Presidents of the Club

" Presidents of the Club, " is a conceptual photographic exploration about the photographs of all past presidents of East Liverpool Country Club in East Liverpool, Ohio, USA. All presidents of this club including the current president are white males. There is no racial diversity. These men are mostly older white males who are happy in their positions of authority of a small provincial country club. All these men were photographed by now dead local photographers. All these men seem, content, and comfortable. This is their hey day. Each man has a fixed idea of what their portrait is for. It is for local use. For the club, the home, the family, perhaps even the local newspaper. The concept of each mans portrait going " viral, " or being seen by millions of people, or as photo history, or Art. Is not in the consciousness of any of these men. Each man portrays a state of mind that he thinks is suitably presidential and fitting for East Liverpool, Country Club. Each mans dress code is almost identical, conservative, conforming, expected, without risk or adhering to any striking individuality. Each man is like a mold of the one before and the one following. The intent of the local photographer and each of these men. Is to keep the status quo. To maintain the existing state of affairs. Yet, for each of these men. To be president of this club. Is a big deal. This is success for these men their families, and community. These men are " Presidents of the Club. " This project explores conceptual appropriation in photography, photographic analysis, and racial expectations in American culture. " Presidents of the Club, " is part of a larger multi media project on the town of East Liverpool, Ohio, USA.