The Nebraska Photography Project is dedicated to archiving the genuine spirit of Nebraska. Embracing the ethos of authenticity, this project invites participants to present themselves in their truest forms, celebrating the diverse tapestry of Nebraska's communities, families, and individuals. Emphasizing the theme "Be You, Come as You Are," this project founded principles of inclusivity and welcoming individuals from all walks of life to participate, across the vibrant state. 

 

The Nebraska Photography Project is more than just a visual essay; it is a tribute to the authenticity and resilience of the Nebraskan spirit, inviting viewers to engage, reflect, and appreciate the myriad stories that make up the heartland of America.

 

 

 

MONA Exhibition Overview

 

At its center, the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) exhibition features a striking series of portraits that thoughtfully represent the varied and dynamic lives of Nebraskans. These portraits pay homage to the ordinary yet beautiful aspects of everyday life, highlighting the distinctiveness and unity present in different spaces, households, and communities.

 

Geographical Scope

 

Spanning the rich landscapes of Nebraska, from quaint small towns to bustling metropolises, this project bridges geographical divides, weaving together a narrative that honors both rural charm and urban dynamism. It is a visual journey that reflects the state's broad spectrum of experiences and lifestyles.

Wesaam Al-Badry's photography has been featured in the New York Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, The Atlantic, NPR, Fortune, The Nation, and Mother Jones. Al-Badry has received The John Collier Jr. Award for Still Photography, the Dorothea Lange Fellowship, the Jim Marshall Fellowship for Photography, The National Geographic fellowship, the Magnum Foundation, Creator Labs Photo Fund Aperture and Google, and The Emerson Collective. Wesaam is currently a fellow at The Center for Visual Documentation.

 

His artwork has been exhibited internationally at museums including the de Young Fine Arts Museum in San Francisco, the Museum Angewandte Kunst in Frankfurt, Germany, Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York City, Bernstein Gallery at Princeton University, Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, and Jenkins Johnston Gallery in San Francisco.

 

He currently resides between Berkeley, CA, and Lincoln, NE. Wesaam received his Master’s in New Media journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, and his BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. He is represented by the Jenkins Johnson Gallery in San Francisco and New York City; East Wing Gallery nationally and internationally; and Contact Press Images in New York City.