“Condos, Chicago, 2008.” © Will Steacy. Courtesy of the artist, Michael Mazzeo Projects, New York, and Christophe Guye Galerie, Zurich.

Will Steacy‘s photography deals with political, social and economical issues: the desertion of American cities, the decline of the newspaper business, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He documents places, people and objects with a large-format camera, often making images that encapsulate an idea or comment on an issue. In his new exhibition “No Job No Home No Peace No Rest,” he “chronicles and critiques” the American Dream, from the 1800s to present day. Currently on display at Silver Eye Center for Photography in Pittsburgh, the exhibition includes photos from his series “Down These Mean Streets,” “All My Life I Have Had The Same Dream” and “We Are All In This Together.” It also includes a 170-foot collage created by Steacy using newspaper clippings, his own images and writings, and found objects. Dubbed by Steacy “The Beast,” this unique installation shows how passionate and concerned the photographer is about the future of the United States of America and its citizens. The exhibition runs through December 15, 2012.

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© Annabel Clark. Above: Carmen and Lupita, 2011.

For their summer portrait salon Michael Mazzeo Gallery asked artists for their interpretations of family. Here are just a few images by the 23 artists represented in the exhibition, Family Value.  The exhibition closes today at 5:30 pm.

Family Value presents observations and interpretations of contemporary family relationships. A salient reflection of our times, much of the imagery is filled with ambiguity, anxiety, and contradiction, yet with an equal sense of strength, compassion and humor. Free from traditional constructs and definitions, these artists provide us with a broad and insightful view into the complex intimacies that define our character and shape our lives.

-Courtesy Michael Mazzeo Gallery

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© Will Steacy

On view at the Michael Mazzeo Gallery is a collection of new and recent work all shot in 48 hours on 8×10 film by Will Steacy, one of the 2011 PDN’s 30. The exhibit, Will Steacy, 48 Hours examines the struggling middle class through a portrait of the economic challenges confronting two cities. Steacy says, “I spent 24 hours in Madison, Wisconsin, photographing the events unfolding in and around the capitol building before Governor Scott Walker signed his anti-union, anti-collective bargaining bill. I spent the following 24 hours in Gary, Indiana, home of the first US Steel plant, whose rise and fall has become the face of the deindustrialization of America. I photographed city institutions and local businesses that line Broadway, Gary’s main artery, looking at the grim realities that face this once vibrant city, and at what results when we abandon our workers and let the middle class fall.” There will be an opening reception tonight, April 28 at Michael Mazzeo Gallery and a talk by Will Steacy on Saturday, April 30 at 3pm.