Paccarik Orue was born in Lima, Peru and currently resides in San Francisco, where he is pursuing a BFA in photography at the Academy of Art University. As a photographer, he is interested in creating work that stirs emotion about his subjects and that leaves the viewers with more questions than answers.These images are part of an ongoing series titled ‘There is Nothing Beautiful Around Here.’ Of this series, he writes:
‘Richmond, California is a place where many families move when they can no longer afford to live in San Francisco or Oakland. In Richmond, the majority of the population is African-American or Hispanic and many residents are struggling with rising unemployment, foreclosure, poverty, and the ensuing violence and substance abuse. This situation has accentuated Richmond’s reputation for being one of the roughest parts of the Bay Area. I initially went to Richmond to explore and see what this infamous area was truly like. During one of my early visits, a middle-aged African-American woman asked me why I was taking pictures in her neighborhood. I answered that it was beautiful. She responded, ‘There is nothing beautiful around here.’ This notion, deeply embedded in the consciousness of Richmond’s residents, triggered my interest to further explore this forlorn city. This body of work documents the hidden charm underneath Richmond’s troubles, what its residents and outsiders fail to see.’
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I live in Richmond. It is a community of contrasts. It has some of the most violent neighborhoods in the Bay Area, extreme poverty, multi-million dollar mansions, neighborhoods with amazing views of the entire Bay Area, a marina, exclusive waterfront properties, and miles of waterfront bike paths.
During 2008 I explored Richmond and published one image every week. I discovered public art installations that many people living there don’t know about, learned about the role Richmond played during World War II, and learned that Richmond is a sister city to Shimada, Japan.
I live in Richmond as well and I love living here… enough so that I’m buying a house. I walk all over the place with my dog and while there are some areas that I tend to avoid (all cities have these).. most areas are fine even if the houses aren’t in the best condition. I take a lot of pictures when I’m walking around too.
I like that my neighbors say hi to each other and that there are kids out playing… most of which are comfortable running up and talking to me. Richmond definitely needs TLC and needs some identity work. I hope that projects like this can help.
Technically the majority of the population is Hispanic but between black, white and hispanic, it’s pretty close…. I think the link stating the majority are black and hispanic is inaccurate and deserves an update: (http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0660620.html)
My biggest complaint is that the schools aren’t great… but that’s to be expected in an area with such a low median income and low property values.