Opening Reception
Saturday May 9th, 5:30-7:30pm
On exhibit from May 9th, through August
Garde Arts Center
325 State St, New London, CT 06320
Unseen Stories
About the Photography Show
AtelierMOCA spent a week working with Artreach members and staff in September 2025. During the Unseen Stories workshops, participants were introduced to the Empathic Gaze (TM), an interdisciplinary framework created by Mona Penn Jousset. They were invited to consider the responsibility of both the photographer and the viewer in shaping images with care, understanding, and respect. While learning about Light, Composition, and Storytelling, participants gained new perspectives on how photography can serve as a tool for connection, storytelling, and deeper awareness of others. The workshop culminated in an exhibition at Artreach’s Gallery in Norwich. We are pleased to share this expanded exhibit with the Garde and its patrons.
Where
Garde Arts Center
325 State St
New London, CT 06320
When
Opening Reception: Sat, May 9th 5:3o-7:30pm
Featuring jazz from Artreach’s Baggage Claim. Light refreshments.
On exhibit from May 9th, through August
Photos from the October 4th, 2025 Opening
 Introductions at Unseen Stories Photography opening |  Coco describes the photography process. |  Coco speaking. |
|---|---|---|
 Sky, Sunlight, Coffee (Paul Collins) |  Things I Like, Things I Care About (Melody Smith) |  Flower in the Machine (Leo Mulberry) |
 Beauty in the Breakdown (Lara Grace) |  Grown (Cynthia Adams) |  Photo by Cynthia Adams |
 By the Sound (Emma Palzere-Rae) |  Are You Going With Me to the Other Side? (Dick Pape) |  Love and Beauty (Das Butts) |
 Photo by Das Butts |  Rediscovering Whimsy (Carin Jennie Estey) |  Photo by Carin Jennie Estey |
 Natural Beauty (Becca Atkins) |  Unity or Extinction (Barbara Stanley) |  Photo by Barbara Stanley |
 Becca, Coco, Mona and Carin |  After the Otis Workshop |  Coco Olakunle and Mona Penn-Jousset |
AtelierMOCA (www.ateliermoca.com) is a creative platform based in France and the Netherlands, founded by educator, writer, speaker, podcaster, and curator Mona Penn-Jousset, and photographer, filmmaker, and mentor Coco Olakunle. Working across all continents, MOCA engages with a global network of artists and audiences. Through photography, film, and storytelling, the platform amplifies underrepresented image makers while fostering connection, education, and cultural dialogue.
About AtelierMOCA
AtelierMOCA is a creative platform founded by educator, writer, speaker, podcaster, and curator Mona Penn-Jousset and photographer, filmmaker, and mentor Coco Olakunle. Rooted in their shared belief in a more connected and empathetic world, MOCA brings together education, storytelling, and visual practice to amplify diverse perspectives.
With over thirty years of international teaching experience, Mona Penn-Jousset has taught across the United States, the Netherlands, and France, and was the first lecturer of African descent at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. Coco Olakunle, a Nigerian-Dutch artist, brings a vibrant global perspective shaped by her work across Europe and Africa, where she is known for her intimate portraits and socially engaged photography, including work in refugee communities.
Together, they create platforms for dialogue and learning through photography, film, and writing, while supporting emerging image-makers and collaborating with cultural and educational institutions worldwide.
Learn more about their work at www.ateliermoca.com.
Mona Penn-Jousset
Mona Penn-Jousset is an American writer, filmmaker, podcaster, Visual Culture Scholar, and
Empathic Communication Specialist residing in France. With over 30 years of international
teaching experience across the United States, the Netherlands, and France, she was the first
person of African descent to teach at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague. After studying
Film/Theater and Black and Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, New York, Mona received
her BA from New College of California and her MA in Arts and Culture from Utrecht
University. Her book, The Empathic GazeTM: Art, Thinking, Theory, and Praxis, Vol. 1 – Curated
Thoughts on Empathy, blends original theory, full-color photography, graphic design, and
sketches with essays from over 40 contributors from all seven continents to explore empathy
in art, culture, and human connection.
Coco Olakunle
Coco Olakunle is a Nigerian-Dutch photographer, filmmaker, and mentor known for her
intimate visual portraits and empowering documentary work.
Coco works across Africa and
Europe, specializing in social photography and is known for her sensitive portraits of people
living in some of the world’s largest refugee camps. Coco received her BA in Human Geography
at the University of Amsterdam.
Coco brings a vibrant, global perspective from her work across Europe and Africa.
Opening May 9th, 2026
Live music by Baggage Claim (Artreach Jazz Band)