William Gerst
My name is William Gerst (b. 1994), and I am a documentary photographer based in Dallas, Texas. I use research and photography to explore the intrinsic link between memory and connection. Growing up in a historically Black neighborhood, this link is deeply embedded in my upbringing and shapes my sense of home and belonging. My time in commercial lending has given me firsthand experience with the reordering of communities, a perspective that often contrasts and conflicts with my personal experience. As such, my artistic practice is rooted in intimacy and closeness, inviting viewers to reflect on their surroundings with curiosity and care, while focusing on the intersections of culture, environment, and human connection. My work aims to preserve authentic stories and provoke a deeper understanding of self and community.