For the Record, Curated by Alisa Wilbon
For The Record features the unique perspectives, cultural expressions, and profound narratives of four photographers born and raised in Portland, Oregon, using photography as a medium to spotlight Black life in Portland. This captivating collection serves as a testament to the richness and vitality of each photographer's artistic expression, inviting you to immerse yourself in a celebration of creativity, heritage, and cultural identity.
This exhibition sets the record straight. The featured artists Vonte Carter, Suhela Hassan, Juma Sei and Shani Storey are living proof—capturing the beauty, resilience, and everyday experiences of their community. They document moments of celebration, strength, and belonging, preserving a history that is too often untold.
For The Record brings together a dynamic ensemble of artists, each possessing individual strength and creative prowess, while collectively fostering a vibrant and harmonious fusion of voices. As you navigate this exhibition, prepare to be inspired and moved. Together, their collective vision offers a profound testament to the power of storytelling through art.
This is not a footnote in history. It is the foundation. We’ve always been here, and we always will be.
RSVP TO THE ARTIST TALK ON FEBRUARY 15th AT 2PM
MEET THE ARTISTS
Alisa Wilbon (curator)
Alisa Wilbon is a zealous, multifaceted creative who fell in love with photography in 2018 while studying in Chicago, IL. For her, capturing the world through a lens is more than just taking photos — it’s about preserving the little moments that tell the bigger stories of life. Alisa believes that documenting these experiences helps us remember where we’ve been, and how those memories shape who we are today. With a focus on people and places, her work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the past in a meaningful way. Using film as her medium, Alisa brings an intentional, thoughtful approach to her work, embracing the imperfections and rawness that only analog photography can offer in a digital world.
Shani Storey
Shani Storey is a dynamic creative force, often described as a Swiss army knife of artistry. With an expansive toolkit that spans fashion styling, art direction, production, photography, modeling, and more, Shani brings a multidisciplinary approach to her work.
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Shani's journey has taken her from the vibrant streets of her hometown to the inspiring hills of San Francisco, where she honed her craft and deepened her creative vision. A rose that blossomed from the concrete, Shani embodies resilience and transformation, infusing every project with a blend of raw authenticity and refined artistry.
Her work leaves an indelible mark on the creative world, from curating immersive art gallery experiences to capturing evocative moments through her lens across the globe. Shani draws inspiration from the artistic expressions that surround her and the people who live boldly in creativity. Whether styling a look, directing a shoot, or producing a collaborative masterpiece, Shani’s artistry reflects a profound celebration of life and imagination.
Suhela Hassan
Suhela Hassan is a photographer born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She works to capture the dynamic intersections of culture, identity, and athleticism, viewing the world through the unique lenses of both the sports and lifestyle photography scenes. Drawing inspiration from her roots as a Black Muslim, Suhela focuses on authentic storytelling that highlights the strength, resilience, and humanity of athletes. She also explores the broader narratives of everyday life, blending urban culture with athletic expression to shape her individual approach to sports photography. Suhela’s goal is not merely to showcase physical prowess but to delve deeper into themes of race, identity, and social justice within the realm of sports.
Juma Sei
Juma first started telling stories at home in Portland, learning from family-talk in a Sierra-Leonean household. He refined this passion for warm, authentic communication at Yale, studying what it means to be Black in America. He focused on how 20th century heavyweights like James Weldon Johnson, Jean Toomer and James Baldwin answered that question for themselves. Before moving home to Portland in the fall of 2024, Juma told stories on the radio. He covered politics, education and culture for NPR in Washington, D.C., and at member stations in Detroit and Atlanta. He’s grateful to be home again now, telling stories of pride and permanence for Black folks in Portland.
Vonte Carter
Vonte, a native of Northeast Portland, Oregon, is a graduate of Benson High School, where he had the opportunity to take his first photography class and learn the elements of film photography. His work is a blend of culture, lifestyle, music, and sport, with every aspect of his creative life divinely connected and intertwined. Through his art, Vonte wants you to feel nostalgia & passion. Today’s moments Tomorrow’s memories, The artist & the art.