Matrix Exhibitions & Publications is pleased to present Portraits of Patriots: Photographs and Stories of American Ex-Prisoners of War. Photographer Chester Simpson honors the courage and sacrifice of forty American veterans who were prisoners of war over the past sixty years. The portraits are accompanied by equally moving and uplifting stories celebrating the remarkable endurance of the human spirit. Through photographs and interviews, Simpson has gathered a collection of images and words attesting to the principles of peace and freedom that these individuals fought with selfless dedication to preserve. 

The son and grandson of veterans, Simpson served as Director of Photography at the Pentagon newspaper, The Pentagram, from 1989 to 2000. He also served as the Photo Editor/Photographer for the Stars and Stripes Newspaper. During this time, Simpson freelanced as a photographer on 35 USO tours, traveling all over the world with the musicians entertaining U.S. troops. Before his stint with the military, he worked for ten years as a rock photographer. Beginning as an assistant to legendary photographer Jim Marshall, Simpson went on to shoot for MTV, Warner Bros., Capital, CBS, and Chrysalis Records, among others.

 
Conceived as a vehicle for showcasing new and innovative artists, Matrix Exhibitions & Publications is dedicated to bringing compelling artwork to the public through books and exhibitions in a variety of venues. Matrix projects are organized in conjunction with Govinda Gallery, Washington, DC. Founded in 1975, Govinda Gallery has produced over 200 exhibitions both in the United States and internationally and has established itself as the leading gallery in the world exhibiting and representing photography related to contemporary music.

Portraits of Patriots opens on March 3 at 3307 M Street in Georgetown and continues through April1. It will be open Thursday through Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and by appointment as well.