Unveiling the Harsh Truths of Education: Gordon Parks’ Powerful Exhibit

Daytona Beach, Florida, USA - There’s something to be said for education that transcends mere textbooks and classrooms. Gordon Parks’s poignant photography does a good deal to illustrate the complexities of education, particularly through the lens of race and discrimination. One of his notable works, „Radio Technicians’ Class, Daytona Beach, Florida“ from 1943, captures students deep in their studies for the Farm Security Administration. Parks aimed to expose the insidious layers of racism, poverty, and bigotry that often intertwine with the educational experiences of many.

This visual narrative is part of the exhibition „On Education,“ currently on display at Amant through August 17. The exhibition, curated by Tobi Maier, Patricia Margarita Hernandez, and Ian Wallace, showcases over 60 works that reflect the harsh realities faced by individuals in their pursuit of education. Highlights include Philip Wiegard’s „Lost Boys“ (2025), which features handcrafted wallpaper created by students from Lyons Community School, and Stefan Tcherepnin’s sculptures that address the haunting aspects of school systems and childhood experiences.

The Impact of Segregation

Shifting gears, in September 1956, Life magazine published a compelling photo essay titled “The Restraints: Open and Hidden,” showcasing the daily lives of African American families in the Jim Crow South. Gordon Parks’s work in this photo essay captures moments of resilience amidst the harsh realities of segregation. The images feature the Thornton family, among others, revealing the day-to-day impacts of racial and economic inequality. Parks described his photographs as a „weapon of choice“ in the battle against racism and segregation.

These visuals are further brought to light by the recent discovery of over seventy previously lost color transparencies labeled “Segregation Series” by The Gordon Parks Foundation in 2011. None of this work has ever been published until now. The publication of these powerful images in „The Segregation Story“ serves as a vital reminder of the communality within African American families and their fight against discrimination, where social support systems played a crucial role.

Art as Resistance

The „On Education“ exhibition at Amant highlights more than just Parks’s photographs; it showcases various artists confronting historical and contemporary educational inequalities. Works like Cristine Brache’s “My Porcelain Hat” (2017), which pairs a dunce cap with her film “Carmen,” delve into themes of intergenerational trauma. Similarly, Susan Traditional Woman Hudson’s quilt, “Thank You My Grandmas and My Grandpas” (2020), weaves messages from women and girls about their struggles, underscoring painful histories of forced education among Indigenous populations.

The exhibition gained added relevance with the recent political climate, opening just as Donald Trump signed an executive order affecting the Department of Education. This timely correspondence ignites discussions about the ramifications of educational policies on marginalized communities today. The blend of thought-provoking art and historical reflection serves as an urgent call to acknowledge, confront, and rectify the ongoing struggles against ignorance and inequality.

As Florida continues to grapple with its educational landscape, both the impactful photography of Gordon Parks and the contemporary narratives brought to light in exhibitions like „On Education“ remind us that the fight for equality is not just a chapter in history but a dialogue still unfolding.