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| Or is it the newly coined term "Unhoused," The word sounds like a person who prefers to be outside. As in never had a home. The Prefix Un is to take apart, as in Undo. Within a society that can quickly judge based on what they see. Do not be fooled by the etymology of Unhoused. The term will pose a thought that it is a socially acceptable norm. While homelessness will be taboo in the future. |
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The photos displayed are possible situations of what could happen. When bills pile up or situations can be out of one's control.
It becomes a harmful experience. It can kill us, or we can become “Unhoused.”
Living in a stressful environment can be overwhelming. With no options for battling the idea of suicide or homelessness. Can plague the mind negatively. By furthering our education, we can create financial stability and intellectual growth.
The photos created are to cause reactionary thoughts. But I wanted to strike the idea of change. Ana Mendieta tried to bring awareness through art photography. I want to create a series that prompts change not promotes change.
Raquel Cecilia Mendieta, Ana Mendieta’s niece stated “She used experimental and interactive art.” Mendieta was interested in the reaction of society. Ana Mendieta questioned, “What would happen if I put blood on the sidewalk? “When she would see the careless reactions of onlookers it bothered her. She thought they would call the police. Like Mendieta, I wanted to bring awareness, through the expression of art photography.
Creating these photos took a lot of courage to stage the photos. Since it's not a far-fetched scenario of reality. The stage photos seem more raw and realistically truthful. As Carrie May Weems stated, “I knew what it meant for me, but I didn’t know what it would mean historically.” I also feel the same way about my photo series.
I am not sure how they will make people feel or what they will think. But like Carrie May Weems exposed some common truths. We all go through something similar. Whether it's doing our kid's hair or being supportive to our partner, through tough times. We all share similar stories.
One thing I can say is, each of these artist thought outside of society’s expectations and acceptable standards.
Another artist that comes to mind is, Cindy Sherman growing up she was the youngest of her siblings. Cindy Sherman had felt out of place. She had referred to herself as an intruder.
In an article published by The Guardian in 2011, When Cindy Sherman tried to engage with her siblings she mentions she, “Felt like a straggler that was running after them, dressing up to woo them.”
Societal views can influence us. With what can be perceived as a social norm or what's socially acceptable. Homelessness can look like anything. It can be one paycheck away from being “Unhoused.”
“In this day and age,” Homelessness is expressed differently, the circumstances that make it difficult for us vary from one party to another.
Depending how long we have been living in this strange, stressful state. The effects long term have been scientifically confirmed. It almost appears as if we are living in a state of insanity instead of reality. Insanity is doing something more than once and expecting a different result.
Wouldn’t that pose a critical thought of reality? The Cost of living, inflation on necessities? High Rent & Mortgages? Trying to save for the future? Or repetitive behaviors that may hinder us from the truth?
So again, I pose the thought, to critically challenge your beliefs and perceptions of reality? What is insanity people yelling about change? The new coined phrase, Unhoused population? The previous existing homeless population? A broken system? A hurting, broken but still resilient SOCIETY?
Societal cultures may blame people for their downfalls. A person experiencing homelessness or a stressful situation can suffer in silence, slowly losing their life. “Literally” During questionable times, some may steer the other way.
People living through stressful situations may feel out of place, or have feelings they do not belong. Like an intruder passing society.
I hope you find this series informative, and that it serves as an eye-opener for viewers to demand change! With a society that can be judgmental of one's appearance or situation, we as a country need to speak up about certain issues. That effect all of us long term.
These are very compelling and raw issues that bring emotion to the surface. Unfortunately these are the raw the truth for so many people. Thank you for sharing these. This was very brave. *Sending you hugs.* For the assignment: you focused too much on including all of these issues instead of creating ONE series of photos to present for the assignment. There is so much here you can choose to focus on but please revisit the assignment and present one series of images with the writing portion to support it.
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