As the next chapter of the American Presidency approaches, the field has narrowed down to a handful of candidates to lead the free world. On each side of the ballot, unlikely and polarizing figures such as Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders have risen as serious contenders to take the seat at the Oval Office. But who are these people that support them? A photographer discovered this for himself.
Photographer Saverio Truglia decided to go forward with a personal photography project to find out exactly who these supporters are, what are their principles, and if there was any distinction between them. He recently attended both Sanders and Trump rallies in Illinois. Truglia along with his photos put together a narrative:
Mounting frustration with Washington politics has outsider candidates surging in the 2016 election. The obvious examples across the partisan divide are Donald Trump (R) and Bernie Sanders (D). Although different in substance and tone neither Trump nor Sanders are the image of their party's establishment.
Friends and relatives will offer inflammatory comment about their radical supporters hoping to set straight whoever is listening. "Who wants a neo-fascist for their next President?" "Only an unemployed drug addict votes for a Socialist? A Socialist!" and "Who are the people keeping these nut jobs around?"
Curious myself I decided to do a photography experiment. I went to rallies for both Trump and Sanders and made straightforward portraits of attendees wherever they stood-- with their permission and without asking their political opinion-- I shoot a few pictures and showed them on Twitter and Instagram
What's true is each candidate has this election’s most passionate and principled devotees, willing stand in line for hours, even in the rain for a chance to be in the presence of their candidate and thousands of like-minded rally goers. The crowds are powerful and their enthusiasm can be fairly described as fierce.
Weaving among the crowds I introduced myself to people who even within their respective tribe stood out as having a particular presence. From a visual standpoint, what I wanted to explore was--with such similar passions--how are these people distinct, how are they alike, and if not for their campaign schwag, could I always tell the difference?
The portraits were taken in Chicago and Bloomington, IL between March 11 and March 14. A selection of these photographs will be exhibited in the show, “Stereotypes” at the Georgetown Arts Center in Georgetown, Texas April 15 - May 29.
To view more of Truglia's work, take a look at his website and Instagram
Images used with permission
This feature brings up a question: Why do we need to stereotype people when we frown upon profiling at airport, security checks, and in other facets of society?
"photographer" is a bit of a stretch unless they were terry richardson.
Oh dear, someone is doing another Arbus schtick.
From looking at these photos, I am sure, the ever widening right wing conspiracy folks are on the move again. I waiting now for Cuba to invade Miami
I'm really curious about what modifier Saverio used for these, it doesn't look like just bare flash.