Tampa photographer Dave Decker ponders the idea of progress in new show opening this week

Since 2019, Tampa Bay photographer Dave Decker has lent his vision, literally, to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay readers.

MAGA moms have hit him on the head with megaphones, he’s been threatened by Proud Boys, and he’s also fixed his gaze on the president, plus hordes of local bands, artists, and activists all in pursuit of showing us the world as he experiences it. His work’s been on cable news (Fox News, MSNBC) and graced the pages of the New Yorker, New York Times and more.

Still, there’s so much that we haven’t seen, and all month in Seminole Heights, Decker shares more of how he sees our community through his eyes. Say what’s up, and take home a slice of the enthusiasm he brings to our shop during an artist reception.

“I’m trying to focus on the shot outside of the shot,” Decker told CL about his work that doesn’t have a person in the frame. “A lot of times I am looking at the juxtaposition of gentrification and progress—there’s a lot of movement in these photos, it’s what people call ‘progress,’ but I don’t really know if we’re doing it in an ethical, sustainable way for our community. I’m just looking for answers to my questions.”

There’s no cover for the monthly artist reception with Dave Decker on Thursday, April 25 at Independent Bar & Cafe in Tampa. [event-1] Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

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