PhotoVoice
Group Exhibit / Winter 2021
Seeking Safety Group/Places for People
Nathan Dell, coordinator
They came to Red Chair Studios [RCS] as an ‘orphan’ project. Pandemic restrictions and challenges meant there could be no indoor gatherings, especially for those of us who are fragile, who are caregivers etc. The planned venue did not have the window space and foot traffic that RCS has. And so, this series of exhibits was born. It puts art in the window and on the path of pedestrian passersby, tourists and shoppers, neighbors with dogs or groceries or coffee in hand. Art gives a voice to individuals on personal journeys and makes visible the systemic and social justice issues that challenge us.
The participants with cameras are/were people who have experienced homelessness along with mental illness, substance use challenges, and other trauma. Their photos tell us a story, show us what coping skills look like, encourages all of us to talk, listen, take care, keep going.
The simplicity of the installation, the depth of the work, the thoughtfully considered words.
All of these help us focus inward and then shift to audience, community, safety, and home.
PhotoVoice believes everybody should have the opportunity to represent themselves and tell their own story. We work in partnership all over the world on projects and activities which combine ethical photography and community participation to help deliver positive social change. [www.photovoice.org]
