Accomplished writer, photojournalist and human rights activist David Bacon will showcase a collection of politically charged black and white photographs at SF State’s Art Gallery starting September 4.

“[These photographs] are not neutral or impartial,” said Bacon, who shot the photographs over three years starting in 2002. “The purpose is to help people win rights and defend themselves, [so the exhibition shows] documentary photography with social purpose and political purpose.”

The exhibit, “Communities Without Borders,” deals with the controversial topic of immigration policy and displays photos taken on the borders of Guatemala, Mexico and the U.S.

Bacon, 60, is also the author of the new book, “Illegal People: How Globalization Creates Migration and Criminalizes Immigrants.”

Born in New York and raised in Oakland, he worked as a union organizer and factory worker prior to becoming a photographer and writer. Recipient of the Max Steinbock award, Bacon said he began “Communities Without Borders” because of his goals as a human rights activist.

“There’s a lot of racism and discrimination against migrants, especially when times are bad,” said Bacon.

Bacon’s exhibit has been featured in galleries from California to New York. It has more than 20 16x20 prints, many of which are environmental portraits. The gallery displays text descriptions along with its photos and offers visitors the option to listen to audio interviews.

Daniela Paez, co-curator of the exhibit, had a strong reaction towards the project.

“I think it’s very powerful,” said Paez, 22. “David Bacon gives a human face to immigration that I think a lot of people don’t see”.

The Art Gallery manager also shared some opinions on immigration policy.

“I’m not a big fan of having national borders. I think we should have open borders,” said Paez. “If one political area is able to provide more opportunities for its residents, then it should share opportunities with people whose homes may not have the same benefits.”

Paez said her favorite photograph is the one used to promote the exhibit - a close-up of an immigrant worker’s open palms, carved deep with lines.

“The reason why I like it so much is because his hands are so worn from working, and yet this person is coming to a completely different country where he’s not even welcome to continue working,” said Paez.

Bacon regards the “Communities Without Borders” exhibit as a project which documents social reality – a kind of reality he said is not often seen in newspapers or other media. He calls it “a reality check.”

“We say we’re a pro-people, pro-community country, so we should have policies that protect [these ideals],” said Bacon. “I want people to think about migrants as people with communities and people with rights.”

“Communities Without Borders,” begins with a reception at The Art Gallery in Jack Adams Hall Thursday, September 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.