Damaso Reyes

I arrived on the first of January to a snowy and quiet Vienna. I walked into my lovely studio and began the process of getting to know Wien. I was very much a stranger in a strange land but I adapted quickly. This residency offers many advantages the first of which is a wonderful location right in the heart of the city.

During the past eight weeks I have managed to accomplish a great deal of work. In addition to photographing the streets of the city I have, through my fellowship, been given a tremendous amount of access. I have photographed at the city hall during a session of the city council. I have documented one of the old Jewish cemeteries here in Vienna. I attended and photographed at two different balls. Most importantly I spend two and half weeks photographing the lives of asylum seekers here in Vienna. My stay allowed me the time to do some in-depth work and make some important relationships. I was able to do more in this short time on this topic than I have been able to do in several years.

Overall my stay was very positive. Of course I would have liked more time but I feel as though I took full advantage of the time I was given. Thank you very much for the opportunity and all your help!