Human Stories: Ruben Natal-San Miguel, New York City, USA

Ruben Natal-San Miguel is an architect, award-winning fine art photographer, curator, creative director and critic based in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City. His photographs are in the permanent collections of El Museo Del Barrio, The Center for Photography, The Contemporary Collection of the Mint Museum, The Bronx Museum for the Arts, School of Visual Arts, The Fitchburg Museum of Art and The Museum of The City of New York. His work has been exhibited in numerous galleries, institutions, international art fairs including the Black Expression, Rebellion, and Joy Through Fashion Exhibition. He sees fashion as "a form of civil disobedience and quiet activism marching on the streets on a daily basis.” He continues his search throughout NYC for representations of individuality, freedom, and creativity.

This is Ruben Natal-San Miguel's story as shared with Affluent Society from USA:

The current and ongoing systemic racism and social inequality makes me sad. Also, the cancel culture and how we do not listen, nor tolerate each other anymore. I worry constantly not only about me but about my health, career and future of all of us during this Covid-19 pandemic.

What makes me happy at this moment is that no matter what, I continue to photograph people from all walks of life and still seem to find a sense of humanity and togetherness no matter how bleak the situation is in America this present time. That gives me hope and it serves me to connect with others in a very challenging time.

Follow him and his works on Instagram @rubennatal.sanmiguel

About Human Stories:

All of us have a story to share. Some are joyful. Some are teary. Some provide perspectives. Several are downright heartbreaking. Others are simply inspiring.

I've been receiving and exchanging stories of COVID-19 lockdowns with business and government leaders from around the world since June. As the third wave of the pandemic handcuffs some nations and borders, I turn my attention to you - readers and followers of Affluent Society - and your emails and feedback to me these past months. While I continue serving my sentence in Melbourne, I will try my best to tell your story.

This Human Stories Series is a cumulation of stories shared with Affluent Society by its readers and followers from around the world.

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