Mari Stiletto Malek: Supermodel (Lanvin, Vogue, Lady Gaga, Kanye West), DJ, founder of the Non-Profit Stand for Education Foundation, and child refugee.
Mike Mellia‘s latest photo exhibition, “Our Side of the Story,” captures the grim reality of 14 South Sudanese citizens who escaped the struggle of political repression, and are now living in America and working as supermodels, actors, and students. Together, they remain activists against the struggle of oppression of their people in South Sudan.
The exhibition will be open to the public tomorrow night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Tapir Editions Gallery at 39 White Street in Tribeca.
The Bronx-born, Regis High School and Columbia University educated photographer is the son of music and math teachers and takes a creative approach to his storytelling. He came to prominence with his celebrated work “self-absorbed” received global attention.
Ajak Deng: Supermodel (Louis Vuitton, Vogue, Lanvin), activist, and refugee.
The exhibition features 14 portraits of the South Sudanese individuals who escaped the conflict, now in America working as supermodels (Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, etc), actors (2 co-stars of Reese Witherspoon’s upcoming movie), and humanitarians. This project was achieved in collaboration with Sudanese supermodel Nykhor Paul, working to end the circle of violence and exile.
In “Our Side,” Mellia captures a mood of uncertainty, and fear. The series is a cry for help, bringing awareness through these haunting images of the oppressed.
Ger Duany: Actor (The Good Lie– 2014, I Heart Huckabees– 2004), humanitarian, former child soldier, and “lost boy” refugee. Founder and executive director of the Pibor Foundation Non-Profit organization.
Nykhor Paul: Supermodel (Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, DVF), activist, and refugee.
For more information about this exhibition please visit: guestofaguest.com
–Elena Fabiankovic
