Through a series of black-and-white photographic portraits taken 10 years apart, photographer Roger J. Wyan’s “Transitions” exhibit explores the journeys of some of UC Merced’s first students during an influential period of growth in their lives.
In 2005-06, Wyan photographed 220 students, mostly first-year undergraduates who were among the first to attend the newest UC campus. Ten years later, Wyan connected with 38 of the original students to capture in photos their physical changes and discover through interviews where life has taken them.
“Transitions is a remarkable narrative of an influential time in young people’s lives,” Wyan said. “This in-between phase of development — a period sociologists call ‘emerging adulthood’ — is defined by exploration, instability, self-focus and optimism for the future.”
The exhibit will be on display from Oct. 9 through Dec. 15 on the second floor of the UC Merced Library.
“The images and words of Wyan’s subjects offer an unparalleled longitudinal photographic study using a novel medium,” Sociology Professor Irenee Beattie said. “The project vividly illustrates patterns that social science researchers have documented using traditional research methods.”
The “Transitions” project will follow the students’ progress every 10 years to document their physical changes, find out how their attitudes have changed and learn how they come to terms with life's ups and downs.
For information about the exhibit, contact Roger Wyan at photos@rogerwyan.com, or Elizabeth Salmon at esalmon@ucmerced.edu.
