Flat Files #4

Flat Files No. 

"Our fourth issue explores themes of resilience, identity, and the richness of Southern narratives through photography. This edition features a reflective Letter from the Editor by Jessi Bowman, emphasizing the magazine's commitment to uplifting diverse voices and building a home for Southern artists. Highlights include Caroline Docwra and Cecilia Norman’s look at the emotional impact of visual culture during crises, Sebastien Boncy’s review of Joseph Bui’s emotionally resonant family photobook, and an artist profile of Rebecca Drolen’s Unstable Entity, which investigates female strength through photography and architecture.

Lorena Molina profiles Sofia Mendez’s En Todas las Promesas se Renuevan Cada Dia, where family history is reimagined through pixelated images and stitched fabrics. The issue’s main feature spotlights Jade Thiraswas, a Thai American artist from Louisiana, with Dr. Steve Gin reflecting on her series Young Cash Karen, documenting Myanmar refugees, and Tiger Balm, a reflection on family, culture, loss, and resilience. Rounding out the issue is Raul Rodriguez’s Tracing Bracero Legacies, Tracing Bracero Legacies, connects past labor histories in west Texas to the present highlighting contrast faced by migrant laborers. Concluding our issue is a dive into the history of wearable photography from 19th-century keepsakes to modern mementos by Project B"