In this photographic series, I highlight the diversity of Greensboro, North Carolina’s through an examination of ten international grocery stores. A city of many cultures, Greensboro is home to people from all over the world that have brought their languages, foods, and traditions. My childhood is filled with the rich colors, sounds, and smells of these places. I have fond memories of going with my mom for errands at the Super G Mart with its endless aisles of global ingredients. I remember searching through the glass fridge doors for my favorite juice at the Al-Iman market.
My creative process involves photographing packaging, color contrasts, patterns, and idiosyncrasies that are inherent to each culture in order to reveal a common visual language. The images are presented in a seamless grid to facilitate a comparative view. I also utilize angles that emphasize repetition and height of the displays. The accompanying book of the same title takes this goal further with further groupings based on theme, product, and color.
As a child of immigrants, I place myself in this narrative by engaging with products that are familiar and unfamiliar. I have learned to see the stores I grew up visiting in a new way. I have made initial visits to stores that I’ve driven past my whole life, sparking new connections. Thus, this project is also a testament to the benefits of diversity and global engagement. It is a collage of experiences that are woven into the fabric of Greensboro’s history.
Featured locations: Featured locations: Al-Iman Market, Super G Market, Madina Market, Gapo International Market, Li Ming’s Global Mart, Filipino American Grocery, Sukai African Market, Super Desi Bazaar, Indu Convenience Store, Carniceria & Taqueria El Kora
Installation images including a photo zine.
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