Occupy This! combines art, photojournalism, historic documents, and films to consider — in a broad, historic context — the causes, activities, and representation of the Occupy Movement. Includes large collection of work by Facing Change: Documenting America, a non-profit photo collective comprising acclaimed photographers and writers who produce and publish under-reported aspects of America’s most urgent issues.

 

Occupy Wall Street
Andrew Lichtenstein
2011
Color photograph
Courtesy of the artist
DESCRIPTION: New York City. October 5th, 2011. Musicians sing John Lennon's "Imagine" with the crowd. As "Occupy Wall Street" enters it third week, the crowds in Zuccotti Park in New York City's financial district continue to grow, as protestors mix with union members, curious visitors, tourists, and media from around the world. However, it still remains to be seen if the protest will have any significant and lasting political consequences.

 

Occupy Chicago
Carlos Javier Ortiz
2011
Color photograph
Courtesy of the artist
DESCRIPTION: Demonstrators take part in a night protest at Occupy Chicago protests outside the Bank of America building and the Reserve Bank. The protest is one of many around the country held in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street protests currently taking place in New York City.

 

Occupy DC Eviction
Lucian Perkins
2012
Color photograph
Courtesy of the artist
DESCRIPTION: Washington, D.C
February 4, 2012

Occupy D.C. protestors try to resist as U.S. Park Police clear out areas of McPherson Square that will be inspected.

Summary: Early Saturday morning the US Park Police entered McPherson Square, only two blocks from the White House. Their stated mission was to remove the large tarp, which Occupy DC had placed over the statue of General James B. McPherson to protest the announcement that the US Park Police would strictly enforce the ban on camping in federal parks. Previously, they had given the protestors some leeway but reversed their position after being pressured by Republican Congressional leaders led by Rep. Darrell Issa, ironically the wealthiest member of Congress.... Initially Occupy DC cooperated with the US Park Police and agreed to dismantle the tarp and have their tents inspected. In exchange, several Occupiers would be allowed to monitor the inspection. But as the hours wore on, word spread from the monitors that the US Park Police were removing tents that passed code. Violence erupted throughout the day as police continued to tear down tents and cart away bedding and protestors' belongings, some with trash and dead rats.... By early evening when the US Park Police began to inspect the last section of the park and moved in to clear out the Occupy library, many protestors decided to make a last stand. They proved no match for the US Park Police who charged in, some on horses, and others on foot carrying shields and clubs. A few injuries and arrests ensued, including one officer who was hit by a brick. As the Occupiers were pushed out into the street, they stood in a cold drizzle and bewildered, watched their camp being further dismantled.

 

Tent of Dreams
Lucian Perkins
2012
Color photograph
Courtesy of the artist
DESCRIPTION: Washington, DC.
January 30, 2012

Occupy DC protestors succeed in putting a tarp over the Statue of General James B Mcpherson, which they dubbed the "Tent of Dreams."

Summary: Occupy DC protestors covered the statue of General James B. McPherson on the square they are occupying after the National Park Police declared that they would start to enforce long-standing regulations prohibiting camping on federal parkland. The Park Police had given the protestors latitude in the past, but were responding to pressure by congressional Republicans to enforce the ban.... Under the rules, the Occupiers can stand vigil in the park 24 hours a day, and can keep their tents, but they can’t sleep there. No bedding inside the tents is permitted and they must be kept open for inspection.... After Occupy D.C. put up the blue tarp, dubbed "Tent of Dreams," on Monday, many protesters held vigil throughout the night expecting a raid by the Park Police, which so far hasn't materialized.

 

Occupy Protestor, New York City
David Burnett
November 8, 2011
Color Photograph
Courtesy of the Artist