Richard Andrew Sharum’s Epic Observe Dallas 2015

By Catherine D. Anspon // Jun 1, 2015

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This turn-of-the-century building at 601 Elm pairs Richard Andrew Sharum's "Father and Daughter" and "Father and Son" — worlds apart, yet both displaying family values, and each photographed in downtown Dallas during the past decade (through May 31).

The vintage facade of 500 South Ervay was home to Sharum's portrait, "Ronnie," 2014. (Through May 31, the building bears "Homeless Woman," 2014.)

"Immigrant Reform Protest," snapped by Sharum in Dallas in 2006, highlights the photographer's social conscience. View it al fresco on the facade of 800 Main Street through June 7.

"Immigrant Reform Protest," snapped by Sharum in Dallas, 2006, highlights the photographer's social conscience. View it alfresco on the facade of 800 Main Street, through June 7.

The catalyst/photojournalist/artist Richard Andrew Sharum spent $75,000 of his own funds to make Observe Dallas 2015 happen. Photo Justin S. Goode

"Woman at Crosswalk," 2014, possesses the beauty of a classic gelatin silver print. It's mounted on the facade of the historic 601 Elm Street building, through May 31.

The hauntingly surreal "One Main Place," 2014, is one of Sharum's most memorable images in the Observe Dallas 2015 project.

The hauntingly surreal "One Main Place," 2014, is among Sharum's most memorable images in the Observe Dallas 2015 project.

Sharum's "One Main Place" will remain installed long-range into April 2016, dialoging with the modernist facade of 211 North Ervay Street.

"Metro Bar," 2006, graced the exterior of 800 Main Street, until it was succeeded by the now-on-view "Immigrant Reform Protest." "Metro Bar' demonstrates Sharum's way with film, which the artist favors over digital photography, thanks to his trusty medium-format 1951 Rolleiflex Automat.

A most ambitious street-photography project — one that literally incorporates the street — is winding down in Dallas over the next two weeks. Richard Andrew Sharum‘s heroic #ObserveDallas2015 involves eight super-sized photojournalist images (up to 40 by 60 feet) staged across four building facades downtown (through June 7; one project remains on view into April 2016).

Of his series, the internationally exhibited Magnum Photos Masterclass Grant winner says, “I selected based on those core principles of empathy … I thought they represented an element of surprise shrouded in the space of ordinary.” Scroll through for a peek at Sharum’s bold public arts project. Then post your own street images under the #ObserveDallas2015 hashtag via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram through June 7; you’ll be entered to win an original print by the artist.