Finding Cato Vernon in Photography Artist Talk wit Jason Roomes and Dominique Sindayiganza
November 15 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 PM
While creating the Cato Vernon Freedom Library, Lead Artist and Photographer Dominique Sindayiganza visited sites in Rhode Island where Cato Vernon likely traveled. As he photographed these places which are now often manicured, leisurely, and serene, he wondered what Cato’s view would have been — did this tree see Cato when it was an acorn? Does the mitochondria still hold his memory? Is his presence in this view, even with jet skis, tennis courts, and high schools here now? Despite the peace of these places today, Dominique imagined the battlefields, enslavement, imprisonment, and war that Cato would have seen. The more images he took, the more he felt Cato Vernon.
Along the way, Dominique met Jason Roomes, who steps into the uniform of his ancestor Caesar Rome, who fought in the RI 1st Regiment alongside Cato Vernon. By photographing Jason, Dominique found a shared thread in their journey — while also being keenly aware of the differences. Jason’s life changed when he realized the role his ancestors played in the Revolutionary War, and he has dedicated the last decade to honoring their service by giving them a physical presence today.
This talk between Jason, Dominique and Lead Artist Rebecca Noon will illuminate the ways photography, memory, embodiment and place are powerful tools to understanding our history in personal, sensorial ways.
Free for all.
About Jason Roomes:
Jason Roomes is a lifelong New Englander. His ancestors came here as enslaved people, and their descendents have served in every war since the American Revolution. Jason honors his ancestors through living history. He lives in Massachusetts with his family.
About Dominique Sindayiganza:
Dominique Sindayiganza is a photographer who uses his camera to create and celebrate community. In his long-term personal photo series, entitled “HOMECOMING”, he focuses on photographing strangers at home.
He lives in Providence, RI with his wife and 3 daughters.
Dominique was also the Production Photographer on Center Aquidneck’s Life After Life.
