Urban Conversations: Jared Thorne and Daniel E. Agbiboa on Topographies of Access: Landscape Photography and Reproductive Rights in the Midwest

The state of Ohio prides itself as the gateway to the Midwest. When Jared Thorne began this project in 2015, he witnessed that Planned Parenthood facilities draw a complicated map, marking distinct territories of access and belonging, power and desire, class and race.  From 2015 to 2018 he photographed every Planned Parenthood facility in Ohio. At the time there were 26 in various suburbs, cities, and rural areas (currently there are 15).  Every image is captured with a 4x5 view camera on Sunday mornings to avoid crowds and protestors.  Since 2020 he has been expanding the series to include every Planned Parenthood that surrounds the Buckeye State. 

Speaker: Jared Thorne holds a BA in English Literature from Dartmouth College and an MFA in Photography from Columbia University. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art at The Ohio State University, where he also serves as Head of the Photography Area. Before joining the OSU faculty, Thorne taught at Stellenbosch Academy, the University of Cape Town, and City Varsity in South Africa. His work has been exhibited in solo shows both nationally and internationally. Most recently, he was awarded the 2025 Aminah Robinson Fellowship from the Columbus Museum of Art.

Moderator: Daniel E. Agbiboa is the John and Ruth Hazel Associate Professor of the Social Sciences, and Associate Professor of African and African American Studies.

Registration is required for this event. Lunch will be provided.