photography in all its forms

Exhibition Hours:
Friday, May 1, 9:00 am–6:00 pm
Saturday, May 2, 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Sunday, May 3, 10:00 am–5:00 pm

Character Project is an ongoing artistic initiative committed to celebrating America's characters—the interesting, dazzling, and distinctive people, from all walks of life, who make this country extraordinary. Inspired by USA Network's iconic "Characters Welcome" brand, and with the support of Aperture Foundation, USA assembled a team of eleven world-class photographers to capture the character of America. Each artist's vision was as unique as the people and places they photographed. From Alaska to New York, the subjects they encountered are a stunning example of our country's diversity. The musicians and mothers, fishermen and farmers, athletes and artists, at home, at work, and at play, are a true representation of what it means to live in America today. Reminding us, once again, that we are all characters. And we're all welcome.

The Character Project photographs are showcased in the book American Character: A Photographic Journey, published by Chronicle Books (March 2009). Featuring each photographer's provocative perspective on the nation's most compelling characters, as well as a foreword by internationally renowned journalist and author Tom Brokaw, American Character captures the continuously evolving mosaic of our country and features Aperture-published artists Dawoud Bey, Jeff Dunas, Mary Ellen Mark, Sylvia Plachy, Richard Renaldi, and Marla Rutherford. The collected works will also be displayed in a series of gallery exhibitions, visiting seven American cities.

To see videos from each of the participating artists, click here.

New York: March 13–14 Stephan Weiss Studio

Washington, D.C.: April 3–5 at Pepco's Edison Place Gallery

Philadelphia: April 17–19 at Wexler Gallery

Chicago: April 24–26 at Alan Koppel Gallery

San Francisco: May 8–10 at Chronicle Books Headquarters

Los Angeles: May 15–17, Beverly Hills