We Are By and For: A Year in Community

February 4-26, 2022

We are living in an unprecedented and momentous time - A global pandemic that has exposed enduring racial, social, and economic inequities deeply embedded into the design of our system; a new civil rights revolution ignited by the relentless flagrancy of police brutality and the myriad daily violences perpetrated against Black and Brown lives; and a renewed awareness that to create the world we believe can exist, the power lies within us: the people. This current uprising is a collective call to action, and By And For is our answer.

By And For is a collective of BIPOC creative photographers who are committed to the work of social justice activism and community building through acts of service. Quarterly, we will donate high-quality photography work prioritizing BIPOC individuals and small businesses in the Bay Area. By leveraging our talents and expertise, we aim to drive more attention, support and commerce to our clients.

 In our inaugural year, our five contributors collectively collaborated with 15 small businesses and organizations that offer a range of unique services and products. It has been an honor to meet, connect with, and help uplift these people and their brands to the next level with imagery that authentically captures their vision. We are incredibly grateful to RPS Collective for the opportunity to showcase these clients, By And For, and the photo work we created together. And thank you to our volunteers, partners, and allies who donated their time, energy, skills, and services. Community-building is at the core of By And For, and we’re honored to build with you at our side. 

Featuring art by Alison Christiana, Andrea Arevalo, Karen Santos, Nicole Morrison, and Vivian Chen.

Opening night reception: Friday, February 4, 2022
5-9 p.m. @ RPSC Gallery (2120 MLK Jr. Way in Oakland)
With live screen printing on-site and tote bags for purchase.

By and For has donated free services to these businesses, please join us in supporting them!

  • Hella Tea

  • Baller Planter

  • Urembo Asili

  • Dabao Singapore

  • Ladha

  • The Shrimp & Grits Company

  • Viscera

  • Opal Marketplace

  • Mee Ra Rituals

  • Self-Care Physio

  • Mochata

  • Aquarian Plants

  • Ox + Tiger

  • La Barberia

  • EBPREC