The photographic exhibition Time to Get Ready: Maria Varela and the Civil Rights Movement, curated by Dr Emily Brady, is on display at The Barn Gallery, 22 St Giles', Oxford, OX1 3JS until Saturday 18 May.
Photographer and Civil Rights activist Maria Varela captured not only the outward manifestations of protest but also delved into the intricate tapestry of everyday efforts that fuelled the Movement, from voter registration drives to the establishment of communal vegetable cooperatives. For Varela, photography transcended mere technical proficiency; it became a conduit for creative expression and a powerful tool for social change. Each frame serves as a testament to the resilience, determination, and collective spirit of those who fought tirelessly for justice and equality. From events such as the Meredith March Against Fear, to profiling leaders such as Fannie Lou Hamer, Varela’s photography offers an important perspective on one of the most significant periods of reckoning in American history.
This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of St John’s College, the Rothermere American Institute, Christ Church, The British Association of American Studies, the Oxford Festival of the Arts, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
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