With immense pleasure and pride, I introduce the Parsons Master of Fine Arts in Photography class of 2023 in their exhibition The Sound Crickets Make. This talented cohort of emerging photographic artists will present eighteen bodies of work in this group exhibition. The artists include: athena abdien, Azelion Manuel, Beiyuan Zhang, Bella Okuya, Ben Rybisky, Blaine Williams, Camilla M. Mecagni, Dexter Lopez, Drishti Verma, Frida Braide, jude Lives, Kuan Hsieh, Paria Ahmadi, Sawani Chaudhary, Sidian Liu, Trenton Teinert, Thomas O. Iacobucci, Yulin Gu. 

In this catalog and exhibition, you will take a visual journey that captures the values of the Parsons MFA Photo program and showcases the remarkable growth and creative explorations that graduates have made in the past twenty-six months. You will see the diverse range of artistic visions and approaches they embrace. These young artists use the medium of photography and imaging as a language to communicate complex ideas, challenge societal norms, and shed light on our shared experiences. 

They have explored a range of themes, from social justice and climate change to personal identity and cultural heritage. From the most private to the public and political, they have challenged our notions of what photography is and what it is becoming in the world. Their work is a powerful tool to initiate conversations, provoke emotions, and inspire change. Their tireless pursuit of artistic excellence, their willingness to take risks, and their unwavering commitment to their craft have resulted in a body of work that speaks volumes about their talent and dedication. They will continue to make significant contributions to the field of photography and shape the future of visual arts for years to come. This catalog and exhibition owe its success to the collaborative efforts of numerous dedicated individuals. Their dedication and hard work are essential to the overall success of our students. Finally, we want to extend our thanks to MFA Photo Director James Ramer.