The power of an image is a given. However, the new photography exhibit “Road To Freedom” at the High Museum in Atlanta, GA strikingly demonstrates cause and effect in a historical and contemporary context. (more..) “In many ways, the history of the Civil Rights Movement cannot be understood without contemplating the photographs that helped shape public opinion,” said Julian Cox, Curator of Photography at the High Museum of Art. “Most Civil Rights photographs were taken by professional photojournalists sympathetic to the cause and by activists motivated to record newsworthy events with an objective and informing eye. Because of the moral energy they radiate, these are among the most important and beautiful photographs of our nation.” (more…) Shown with the historic photographs is a contemporary exhibit entitled “After 1968.” It includes recent and newly commissioned works of art by a group of young, influential, emerging artists. These artists were challenged to process the visual and historical data of 1968 and produce projects that honor the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement while exploring the relevance of progressive social change that it encapsulates.  Particularly arresting is the work by Hank Willis Thomas’ “Unbranded” series. “Unbranded” represents advertising images from which the text has been stripped, producing a reflection on the historical formation and dissemination of stereotypes. Many who see these exhibits experience a wide range of emotions including outrage, sadness, disgust as well as pride and hope. If you are not going to be in the Atlanta area before October, the exhibit travels in November to the Smithsonian in D.C.