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NEW SOIL

Photo exhibit showing the diverse landscape and community of Rose City in North Little Rock, AR.

NEW SOIL STATEMENT

This exhibition explores the richly layered landscape of Rose City, Arkansas—capturing the essence of a community that has experienced profound transformations over time. From its origins as the first blue-collar neighborhood incorporated into North Little Rock, Rose City is a demographically and socioeconomically diverse area shaped by industry, commerce, and the lives of its residents. Through this collection of images, we invite viewers to see the evolving heart of Rose City, told through the lenses of three distinct local photographers, each with their own narrative and vision of this complex, yet resilient, community.

Our photographs document the spectrum of life here, from the quiet streets of residential neighborhoods to the corners of commercial areas, and the raw, industrial spaces that speak to its working-class roots. Each image reflects a different facet of Rose City’s identity—its pride, its struggle, and its endurance. 

As a collaborative project, this exhibition brings together our shared commitment to not only preserving the visual history of Rose City but also celebrating the ways in which its past and present converge in unexpected beauty.

Through our individual interpretations, we seek to portray the often-overlooked nuances of this neighborhood—the warm receptions from its residents, the imprints of industry, and the everyday life that continues to thrive amidst change. We hope this documentation fosters a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped this community and continue to define its future.

New Soil is more than a visual record. It is an invitation to reflect on how landscapes, like the people who inhabit them, are living entities—constantly evolving, forever shaped by the complex interplay of history, economics, and human will.

ARTISTS

Derek R. Slagle, Ph.D. (b. 1984, Tennessee) is an American documentary and fine-art film photographer, based in Little Rock, Arkansas. His photographic work covers narratives primarily in the Southern and Midwestern areas of the United States. His artistic practice has extended to partnerships with nonprofits and governmental entities for documentation of science of conservation practices. Dr. Slagle has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; a Master of Science from East Tennessee State University; a Ph.D. from Florida Atlantic University; and Executive Education from Harvard University. He was a 2023 Catalyze Grant recipient from the Mid-America Arts Alliance. His photographs have been exhibited broadly in numerous museums, galleries, and publications.

Vincent Griffin (b. 1980, Arkansas) is a Southern documentary film photographer based in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He primarily focuses on chronicling the people, places, and mythology of the Southern United States. His work has been featured in notable exhibitions including the 59th Annual Delta Exhibition at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, “Dogs & Children” curated by David Carol at the South x Southeast Photo Gallery in Molena, Georgia, and more recently, the Small Works on Paper touring exhibition by Arkansas Heritage and the Arkansas Arts Council.

Justin Harrel (b. 1988, Arkansas) Hailing from the enchanting landscapes of Arkansas, Justin is a passionate photographer currently rooted in the vibrant city of Little Rock. His artistic journey took flight through a profound love for the outdoors, inspired by the diverse terrains that shaped his upbringing. Fueled by the legendary Tim Ernst’s work, he initially ventured into digital photography, capturing the timeless beauty of the Ozarks. However, his deepening connection to the craft led him to embrace film, marking a transformative moment in his journey towards fine art photography. As a landscape photographer, Justin weaves narratives of the natural wonders that have been his sanctuary since childhood. In portraiture, he celebrates the diverse spirit of Arkansas, capturing the unique stories etched on each face in Little Rock. Venturing into street photography, he documents the dynamic pulse of urban life in the lively streets of Arkansas. Each click of the shutter is an invitation to share his deep connection with the Natural State, where his art becomes a visual ode to the landscapes, people, and culture that define the essence of Justin’s photographic journey.

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