Following the launch of her first U.K. solo exhibit, photographer Renell Medrano has a released a photo book documenting the featured images. Titled PAMPARA, Medrano describes the collection of 88 images as “a new body of work representing my heritage, my parents home, my favorite place.”
Born in the Bronx, Medrano made frequent visits to The Dominican Republic, where both of her parents were born. After an extended break from her visits to the Caribbean island, she returned at the end of 2019 with the hope of capturing some of the island’s magic.
Commenting on the collection of images she selected, the Parsons School of Design graduate explained, “In PAMPARA, I took the culture and what we’re known for and exaggerated it,” she says. Each small detail or subtle visual reference in the images is a nod to a wider cultural story. In one photograph a man wears an over-sized domino hat, referencing the pastime synonymous with the country.”
Eighteen of the images featured in the book were displayed in London at Ronsenfeld Gallery for a one-day exhibit that took place on February 17, 2020. The collection of images shown during the exhibit can be viewed here.
Priced at $50, the book is now available to purchase at renellmedrano.com. Because it is shipped from London, it will take five-10 business days to ship.
