Columbia Exhibition Explores Gentrification and Urban Borders in Mexico Through Photography

A scene from the Atoyac River series, part of About Noon by Diane Dammeyer Fellow Alessandro Bo, examining gentrification and environmental change in Oaxaca.A scene from the Atoyac River series, part of About Noon by Diane Dammeyer Fellow Alessandro Bo, examining gentrification and environmental change in Oaxaca.
"About Noon" by Alessandro Bo (June 20-September 19) explores gentrification and displacement in Mexico through photography, video, and collage.

Columbia College Chicago’s Glass Curtain Gallery, in partnership with Pueblo Unido Gallery, presents "About Noon" by Alessandro Bo, the 2024–25 Diane Dammeyer Fellow. 


Bo is the recipient of the 2024–25 Diane Dammeyer Fellowship, a prestigious program at Columbia College Chicago—now in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP)—that supports a socially engaged photographer in developing a new, compelling body of work centered on human rights and social justice.  


The exhibition opens Friday, June 20 at Glass Curtain Gallery—Columbia’s artist-centered exhibition space dedicated to emerging and mid-career Chicago-based artists, with a focus on experimentation and process.  


An artist talk will take place from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a reception until 8 p.m. School of Visual Arts Director Duncan MacKenzie will also speak at the reception. A second opening will take place Saturday, June 21 at Pueblo Unido Gallery from 12 to 4 p.m. 


Born in Mexico City and currently based in Oaxaca, Bo brings a unique perspective to themes of territory, displacement, and collaboration. His project, "About Noon," consists of two components: a photographic exploration of the Atoyac River and the changing landscape around Oaxaca City, and "Walking Practices," a collaborative project documenting the urban periphery with students from Columbia and emerging photographers from Oaxaca. The resulting urban archive includes photography, video, and collage. 


Both exhibitions run through September 2025 and highlight Bo’s cross-cultural approach to social documentary photography and community storytelling. 

    Gallery Hours: 

    • Glass Curtain Gallery (1104 S Wabash Ave): June 23 – September 19, Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 
    • Pueblo Unido Gallery (6212 N Clark St): June 21 – September 6, Saturdays 1–5 p.m. or by appointment 

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