VALIANT IDENTITY
MVILLE IN FOCUS
Members of Mville in Focus gathered to create a collaborative photo gallery surrounding the idea of "personality." This theme was entirely subjective, and each artist was able to create their own mini-gallery of 3-5 images based on their interpretation of the term, as well as a brief artist's statement describing their thought process. The purpose of this project was to demonstrate the diversity of thought and interest at Manhattanville, and how these very different individuals can be brought together through the lens of photography.
When I was little, a dream of mine was to be an archeologist. Now that I am older, travel holds a big part of my life and I love to explore the world. It means so much to me that photography allows me to bridge so many of my passions together. One of my main dream destinations had always been Italy, more specifically Pompeii because the idea of learning about ancient civilizations had always fascinated me. When I got to go for my birthday in 2019 with a semi-professional camera that I got as an early birthday present, it made my childhood self over the moon excited.
Caleb Berger '21, Co-President & Co-Founder
They say that you become a reflection of the people you're around the most. For me, this couldn't be more true. Since coming to Manhattanville, I've been so lucky to find such confident, talented, kind, and incredible individuals who have brought out the best in me. I am so thankful for their influence: I went from being extremely introverted to strong and comfortable in my own skin and with my talents. In these images, the natural energy and chaos you see is what changed my life. When I thought of personality, I immediately thought of their epic characters that shine through in any image. After all, I wouldn't be who I am today without them. Caleb, Gia, Tommie, and Justin- from the bottom of my heart, thank you for teaching me what it means to have fun.
Toni Marie Perilli '22, Co-President & Co-Founder
The identity of oneself is a large component of photography; it appears in the personal style of every photographer and artist. For me, identity means how one perceives themselves—which is why I chose to sit in front of the camera instead of behind. These self-portraits took me a few hours, between balancing my camera for just the right angle and facing my insecurities in high definition. I wanted to display me in a way where I could have full control to portray how I see myself through my own eyes. This is my Valiant Identity.
Kendelle Pitts '23, Vice President
I believe that it is important to express within an individual what makes them who they are as a person, especially what brings out the best in them, and their personal characteristics that make them unique. After all this is what makes up an identity for an individual such as interests, hobbies and current surroundings that make one significantly interesting.
Justin Becerril '22, Secretary & Treasurer
Ever since 10th grade photography class, it has changed my perspective in life. I developed a strong interest in photography. I capture moments through a camera lens. I look back at them to relive the memories in my head. Photography has brought me happiness and I will continue to snap away through my camera lens. 1, 2, 3, click!
Francesca Forgione '22, Member
Nature can describe numerous elements in life. For instance, the following work explores the notion of water as a symbol for emotions. From capturing various tones and textures of the water at Croton Dam, one can comprehend how the ripples mimic human emotions and feelings. Nonetheless, my work aims to encourage individuals to immerse themselves in the diverse natural elements in this world and observe how they correlate to their life.
Tisha Clarke '22, Member
Mville in Focus
Mville in Focus is Manhattanville College's first and only photo club. Students of all experience levels are welcome to learn about and discuss the many facets of photography and grow as a community.
To see more from Mville in Focus, visit instagram.com/mvilleinfocus or mville.presence.io/organization/mville-in-focus
