JAVA Mar-2019

Images can tell stories that transcend time and history, align our collective
souls, or change our minds completely. Photojournalist Nick Oza, who has
worked for the Arizona Republic since March of 2006, is not only locally known
but an internationally esteemed two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer.
To say Oza’s resumé is impressive is an understatement. The Mumbai, Indiaborn
journalist is a humble yet steadfast arbiter of truth in a world weary from
misinformation and “fake” news. When everyone with a smartphone can be a
photographer, it takes a special talent to make photos that evoke real feelings,
images that inspire viewers to think about their own place in the world and
empathize with others they may never meet. Oza possesses this ability, and his
talent behind the viewfinder is something to be celebrated, even when his images
echo a world we do our best to ignore.
Old enough to know better, but young enough to burn the candle at both ends,
Oza is, by his own admission, part of a dying breed. While good storytelling will
always be an important aspect of humanity, the type of in-depth journalism Oza
espouses is on life support. Over the coming decades, only time will tell if there is
any hope for revival.
Recently Oza learned that he will be receiving a grant from the National
Geographic Society to continue documenting immigration issues in the Americas,
so – luckily for all of us – he will be able to persist in making photos that capture
the spirit of truth.
We caught up with Oza to talk about his life, immigration, and what comes next.
So, Nick, where did you grow up?
I grew up in Mumbai. They used to call it Bombay.
And how long did you live in Mumbai?
I lived there until my twenties. I came here when I was 22, in 1989.
So, thirty years here. What were your expectations when moving to the U.S.?
It was, for me, an opportunity. I knew I wanted to be a photographer, but my
whole notion was to be a commercial photographer. When migrants come here,
their focus is to be successful with money. That’s why they’re coming to a foreign
land. But my professors changed my mind after seeing the way I interacted with
my subject matter. And they said I had a gift of getting closer to people, and
having people trust me, so I should go into documentary work and journalism.
Was that anything you had previously thought about doing while growing up?
Honestly, I grew up being very shy, and people knew I didn’t like to talk much.
Journalism just opened my mind on another level. As my work is maturing, I’m
so grateful that the Arizona Republic editors gave me the opportunity to explore
immigration issues.
So, in a way, photography is becoming a smaller segment for me, and storytelling
is becoming the bigger picture. I spend tremendous hours and have a reputation
for working nonstop. I work on sensitive issues like immigration, mental health,
women’s issues, the opioid crisis, and all of that takes time to fully immerse