HPU to Host Human Rights Photographer Todd Drake

TODD DRAKE

"HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 30, 2014 – High Point University will host a presentation by human rights artist Todd Drake in conjunction with its Faculty Cultural Enrichment Grant Series. The event will be held at 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 in the Francis Auditorium of Phillips Hall. It is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.

Addressing human rights issues among marginalized communities, Drake will discuss his work as a human rights photographer and installation artist. Working in a wide variety of media, Drake has worked collaboratively with communities including Muslim Americans, undocumented immigrants and Palestinians. He has exhibited across the U.S. and internationally including exhibitions in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, in college venues including Rhode Island School of Design, New York University, in museums such as the Heart Mountain Interpretative Center, Mathers Museum, the Weatherspoon Art Museum and the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art.

“Drake’s work is provocative and challenging,” says Scott Raynor, associate professor and chair of the art department at HPU. “We wanted to bring in an artist who used his work in the context of the larger question of basic human rights.”

“As part of the Year of the Arts, we connect all of our speakers to a broad question,” Raynor adds. “Todd Drake’s work addresses the question of ‘What are the roles of ‘dangerous’ art?’ He answers that question through his works with underrepresented communities through his photography.”

The grant series at HPU assists faculty in featuring nationally renowned academics, artists and performers for cultural enrichment events around campus. This year’s series is produced in conjunction with the HPU Year of the Arts.

At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,400 undergraduate and graduate students. It is ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report for Best Regional Colleges in the South and recognized for a Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching. HPU was named this year the No. 4 private school in NC for the best return on investment, and it is a 2014-2015 College of Distinction. The university offers 44 undergraduate majors, 43 undergraduate minors and 11 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu."

- A Press Release