GALLERY 5 | 2024 EXHIBITION
Aging Well For All
Celebrating Our Colors and Diversity
The NCOA Gallery is pleased to present the new photography series Aging Well for All—Celebrating Our Colors and Diversity. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is committed to providing seniors with resources for healthy aging and financial stability, regardless of ethnicity or race. In furtherance of this goal, NCOA is hosting a photo contest and a national exhibition to highlight the diversity among older adults aged 60 and above residing in the United States. The contest invites photographers to share images of older adults of varying backgrounds celebrating their unique family culture, engaging in their communities, and living their own experience of aging well in America.
“We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, and different dreams.” —President Jimmy Carter
The exhibition presents many distinguished photographers who celebrate and embrace the diversity of older adults to age well at home and in their community. The exhibition includes the top 20 awarded photos and hundreds of empowering images of older adults in different backgrounds.
“Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.” —Author Ola Joseph.
Congratulation to Karen Lozinski, "Contentment After Cake" for 2024 People's Choice Award!
Total voted: 7442
The "Contentment After Cake" by Karen Lozinski, is the winner of 2024 People's Choice Award with 118 voted of 5 stars.
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST HIGHLIGHT
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Photos featured in this gallery are for exclusive use by the National Council on Aging. Visitors requesting to download any featured image must contact the artist directly to gain usage permission.
NCOA AGE+ACTION
"American Born" is an image that represents rebirth and new beginnings, symbolized by the American lotus. It is part of Angie's latest work, "A Dance of Farewell and Rekindling," where she explores the intricate emotions surrounding loss, transformation, and resilience after the passing of her beloved husband. In this particular image, the lotus flower emerges from the depths of the water, representing the journey from darkness to light and grief to renewal. Just as the lotus rises above the muddy waters to blossom into a beautiful flower, we can find the strength to rise from the depths of despair and embrace the beauty of life once again.
According to Angie, the purpose of "American Born" is to convey a message of hope and resilience, reminding viewers that even in the darkest moments, there is potential for growth and transformation. This image is a poignant reminder that new beginnings are always possible, even amidst the pain of loss. Angie hopes that "American Born" inspires others to find solace and strength in their journeys of healing and renewal. You can view more of Angie Keller's work at AngieKeller.com.
The photograph captures the essence of joy and spirit through its dynamic use of color and contrast. The colorful portraits grab your attention, showing the event as a solitary activity. They illustrate the event vividly and stand out because of their vibrant colors.
Photographer David shares: "The Latino holiday "Day of the Dead" is a joyous occasion for everyone to participate in."The holiday involves colorful decorations, music, and altars with offerings like flowers, candles, and food." According to David, this holiday offers a beautiful opportunity to celebrate and remember those who have left us. "Despite its name, it is the day that celebrates life with dance, music, color, and an explosive sense of fun. These two women have been friends for over two decades. Every year, they create costumes and makeup that bring the day and night to life. Joining friends and family to celebrate the joy of living."
© Shaoyi Zhang, The Artist—Hongtu Zhang, Guest Jury Award
The photographer shares the story of this artist with such a great honor of the artist's life. "Born in 1943 in Gansu, China, Hongtu Zhang is an internationally exhibited artist now based in New York. Zhang entered the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts in Beijing in 1964 and graduated in 1969, but due to unrest during the Cultural Revolution, remained at the school until 1973. In 1980, the artist went to the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, to study wall paintings, which left a lasting influence on his art practice. He moved to New York in 1982 and received the painting prize from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation in 1991."
Shaoyi took this portrait image as a part of his ongoing series "Chinese in New York." He moved from China to New York City in 2016 to pursue his master's degree, which made him more aware of his cultural identity. During his stay, he learned about the historical stereotypes of Chinese immigrants in America, who were often mistreated and oppressed by the government. Shaoyi's project aims to counter the stereotype that Chinese Americans are perceived as low-level workers, which, unfortunately, still exists today. He does this by taking environmental portraits of Chinese and Chinese-American professionals as scholars, teachers, and artists who live and work in New York City.
The photographer captured a striking image of a woman whose body and hand are angled diagonally, reaching up toward an open space. This composition effectively evokes a strong image of her energy and spirit. Photographer Cynthia Abatt, who shares the story, reveals that Virginia's silver curls glisten when she stands up, and the light from a nearby church window adds to the effect. The photographer captured that great moment.
Cynthia shares: "It is no coincidence that Virginia dedicated her working life to the art of hair and beauty, helping to bring joy and confidence to her clients. She volunteers at the church to help the food pantry, raises her grandchildren with love and wisdom, and embodies the values of kindness and community. Many older Americans attend services regularly and find deep comfort in their long-held beliefs."
Michael Paras has taken a captivating photograph of a "Bee Keeper" against a colorful background. The image showcases a lively color scheme and a tranquil ambiance that conveys the beekeeper's contentment and pleasure in his surroundings. The beekeeper's friendly eyes and his affection for his bees and the natural world are evident in the photo. As an admirer of the agricultural community, Michael has embarked on a photography and video project that aims to capture the essence of farmers' lives. The project seeks to highlight the stories and challenges faced by farmers daily.
Through Michael's lens, he hopes to showcase the hard work, dedication, and passion that farmers put into their craft. He believes that sharing stories about agriculture can increase awareness of its importance in our society. Ultimately, Michael's goal is to create a body of work that celebrates the beauty and complexity of the farming lifestyle. Michael shoots this beekeeper at PJ Farms, Bridgeton, NJ; it is a beekeeper/apiarist for his Farmer's project. He said: "My photography/video Farmer's project was inspired from my deep admiration for the agricultural community; my project aims to capture farmers' stories and challenges. Frank is a retired military officer and runs his small farm with his wife."
The talented photographer Cynthia Abatt skillfully captured a heartwarming image that depicts the beautiful bond between two generations. The addition of the American flag in the background added significance to the event they were attending and sharing.
The photograph shows an elderly Army veteran, Wing "Vinny" Wong, in his mid-90s, sharing a precious moment with Cambridge MA Police Chaplain Larry Kim. Vinny received two highly esteemed awarded medals - one for his active-duty service in Germany and the other for serving during armed conflict. His remarkable service is a testament to his bravery and selflessness. In his mid-90s now, Vinny is warmly welcomed and has a place of honor whenever he attends local veteran’s events.
This photo portrays two women in their seventies whose faces reflect many years of life's joys and challenges. Despite their age, they still find life sweet and beautiful; their smiles reflect that. Their intertwined silver hair creates a timeless moment of love and captures the profound connection between them as they continue to discover new things about each other during these precious years.
The photo was taken in October 2023. Arina and Sandy were gifted a townhouse for a month on Portugal’s southwest coast. Elliot and his partner, Sally, joined them for a few days of deep dialogue, delicious seafood, relaxation, and laughter.
© Steve Smith, Racing Grandma, Merit Award
In this heartwarming photograph captured by Steve Smith, we see a beautiful moment of pure joy and togetherness between a grandma and her dear grandson, Sam. "Racing Grandma" was taken during one of their walks. It's clear that spending time with Sam and investing in his future brings immeasurable joy.
One can't help but feel the warmth and love emanating from the image. Steve doesn't just take pictures—by capturing the essence of his subjects and their emotions in a meaningful and beautiful way—Steve says: "I aims to earn them."
© Alexandra Buxbaum, Jerry and His Horse Rocker, Merit Award
This photo captured the story of Jerry and his horse Rocker, also known as "the Rocking Horse." He participated in the 33rd Annual High Noon Ride in Chicago, Illinois, a reunion of Chicago's "Black Cowboys" organized by the Broken Arrow Riding Club. Approximately 40 cowboys and cowgirls brought their horses to Washington Park on the city's South Side for a 21-block group ride to the Lakefront and back. After the ride, they returned for an afternoon of food, music, and fun.
Jerry has been riding a horse since he was four years old, and being a part of Black Cowboys in Chicago is to help keep a forgotten history and tradition going back generations alive. The hope is to get the next generation of children interested in cowboy culture to engage with the horses. So that someday they will be the ones that take over and keep the tradition alive. Jerry's overlooked contribution to history needs to be acknowledged.
© Rory Hejtmanek, The Women In My Family, Honor Award
Rory has captured a heartwarming image that celebrates diversity and love. This diptych comprises two photos. The first is taken spontaneously during a summer gathering, and the second features the male members of the family. Rory feels deeply honored to have had the opportunity to document this sprawling yet close-knit group of people over many decades. "He is excited to keep doing it for many more years."The photos showcase the beautiful relationships between all individuals at the moment.
Rory shares: "I have been photographing my large, blended family for almost 20 years. One of the recurring themes, especially in my more recent cycle of work, has been exploring gender through both staged and candid imagery: gender roles and expectations, the kids exploring and stepping into their gender expression at different ages, where queerness has shown up and how it has received, and finally, the types of bonds formed between the women and men in the family.
© David Cohen, Proud, Honor Award
In this warm-hearted photo, the photographer captured this special joyful moment. Their radiant smiles, full of joy and happiness, light up the entire image and convey a sense of infectious positivity. Their shining faces and crinkling eyes make them captivating. It's as if their happiness is contagious, and just by looking at the portrait, one can't help but feel uplifted and inspired.
David shares: "I had the pleasure of visiting an art gallery that hosted a unique event to raise funds and awareness for the rights of drag performers. These two performers were among the warmest, friendliest, and honest people I have ever met. After years of doing what they love, they discuss how their ability to perform it is threatened now. They left the art gallery and sang on the street, expressing hope for the future."
It was heartwarming to see so many people come together to support such an important cause and celebrate the creativity and individuality of the performers.
© Cynthia Abatt, A Flag and a Memory, Honor Award
This photo captures a touching moment of a woman paying tribute to her loved ones. Sen Lin from Cambridge MA participated in Memorial Day flag placement in 2023. Cambridge Veterans’ Services Department Director Neil MacInnes-Barker, a decorated veteran, chose to bring back the Civil War tradition of setting aside a day to decorate the graves of the fallen, originally called Decoration Day. The community comes together to honor soldiers and their families. Everyone from local Boy Scout troops to seniors helps with placing flags; the project finished with hundreds of flags decorating the cemetery for Memorial Day weekend.
The captivating image showcases an individual standing amidst a sea of flags, resulting in a touching moment.
© Barbara Gibson, Mrs. Missouri, Honor Award
Barbara's portrait of Mrs. Missouri Little is inspiring. Mrs. Little's spry energy and sharpness of mind are truly remarkable, and her gray hair and colorful outfit are a beautiful celebration of her life and well-being in her golden age.
The photographer shared her pleasant story: "Her daughter, with whom she lives, wanted to celebrate her 90th birthday. She also didn't have any recently taken photographs of her. We lived in Hampton, Virginia, a city surrounded by water. We visited a local park known for its beautiful wooded areas and serene lakes. Ms Missouri insisted on walking out onto the pier that would slightly bob up and down when the wind blew. I was nervous for her since there was no railing to grab onto, but she seemed unfazed. It was a hot and humid day in July, but fortunately, a refreshing breeze arrived. The breeze across the lake lifted her beautifully flowing gray hair behind her. She enjoyed that moment so much. I snapped a photo of her. It was a great afternoon, and I took many fun images of Mrs. Missouri Little."
© Joanna Madloch, In Style, Honor Award
Photographing the older adults on the streets of New York City serves as a nuanced exploration into the aesthetics of aging, juxtaposing the city's relentless dynamism with the quiet dignity of its oldest inhabitants. The project aims to raise awareness about a neglected demographic and highlight their experiences.
Joanna shares: "Through a careful composition of light, shadow, and urban backdrop, each photograph aims to capture a fragment of the city's living history, highlighting the elegance and gravitas that come with age. This project is a testament to the enduring human spirit, showcasing the beauty that can be found in the layers of stories and wisdom accrued over the years, inviting a deeper contemplation of the nature of beauty and resilience in the urban tapestry."
© Steven Hauptman, Sour Note, Honor Award
The photograph showcases a stunning performance with vibrant colors that blend beautifully. The musician has intricate details on his face, and his instrument adds to the creativity and passion that the performers convey. This photo captures the energy and beauty of the musician perfectly.
Steven shares: "Dave McMurray is a local (Detroit) jazz legend. As a musician, composer, and producer, he has played on albums for many classic rock and blues acts, from The Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan. What I love about jazz music is its improvisation form of expression; it is a perfect fit for my style of tightly cropped, as a jazz musician is typically very expressive."
© Mark Zilberman, Aging Well, Honor Award
This photograph portrays two Hasidic Jewish men from the Satmar sect, a community known for their tradition and religious practices. Mark captures the men in Williamsburg, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY, which is home to a significant population of Hasidic Jews. The photograph provides a glimpse into the unique dress and appearance of the Satmar community, with the men wearing traditional black hats, long coats, and beards.
The photograph captures a moment from June 5, 2022, the second day of Shavuot, a Jewish holiday known for commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Shavuot means "weeks" and marks the end of the Counting of the Omer. According to the Torah, the seven-week Counting of the Omer, which starts on the second day of Passover, must be immediately followed by Shavuot. The image reminds us of the occasion's cultural and spiritual significance.
© Michaela Lynch, Adopted Family, Honor Award
Captured in this photograph is a heartwarming display of the strong bond between an adoptive mother and her children. The joyous expression on her face as she embraces her beloved children is a testament to her love and care for them. The image beautifully illustrates the unique connection between an adoptive parent and their children, one of a foundation of trust, understanding, and unconditional love.
This heartwarming story is about an adopted family. Michaela shares: "Isabel, my abuela, adopted Phina as a young girl into our family. She now has a husband and two kids. Many know her as a teacher, immigrant, or mother of three, but I know her as Abuela. “Sana, Sana” is a series about my grandmother, Isabel. As a little kid, my grandmother used to say "Sana, Sana" which means heal, heal in Spanish whenever I was hurt. Even though she practically raised me as a child, creating this project with her made me realize a lot more about her than I knew going into it. Lately, she has been discussing her struggles with aging and the need to let go of certain activities that she once found easy.
Arthritis, hip surgery, and aging are taking a toll. I assist mom with simple tasks like standing up or getting groceries. I feel like our roles have reversed, and now I find myself saying "Sana, Sana" to her. Her sense of humor and positive outlook on life shined through these images, and it is a trait that I try to cultivate during difficult times in my own life. At the end of this series, I hope others can see the beauty in her life that she sometimes does not see.
© Mark Coggins, Card Players, Honor Award
This photo depicts a lively group of elderly individuals playing cards at Portsmouth Square in San Francisco's Chinatown. The picture, titled "Card Players," was taken by photographer Mark Coggins, who skillfully captured the playful spirit of Chinese culture in a colorful and vibrant display. The people in the photo are sitting on the ground and deeply engrossed in their game, maintaining intense focus. The colors of their clothing are striking, creating a beautiful visual effect as they blend. The image beautifully showcases China's rich social and cultural heritage, making it a delightful experience for anyone who appreciates it.
© Cyrus Tetteh, Seniors in Motion, Honor Award
"Seniors in Motion" is a fitness program in Detroit, Michigan geared toward improving overall functional fitness and well-being of primarily older adults. Cyrus says: "I caught this moment of the group dancing during "Senior Friendship Day" at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater. We love our seniors here in Detroit. Many programs in the city offer resources to our beloved elders. You are never too old to get active and have fun!"
The bright yellow color is the main draw viewers to their activity. The event captured the participants' motion, energy, and great spirit.
118/ 1680 votes for 5-star
Total voted: 7442
Five stars voted: 1680
95/ 1680 votes for 5-star
Total voted: 7442
Five stars voted: 1680
92/ 1680 votes for 5-star
Total voted: 7442
Five stars voted: 1680
