My work explores how the intersection of injustices distorts and obscures each of us.
unSEEN, using metaphoric filters of differing materials, creates distorted portraits of a diverse community of people who are united in a common struggle to be seen. Through these filters that obscure others, we see our own humanity. This portrait series confronts how institutional barriers built to keep us lost and apart — separating people by race, class, gender, religion, immigration status and more — can be transformed into shared experiences that unify and empower.
These images were created using direct sunlight in public places. Often, I would approach strangers, describe the project, and ask them to collaborate. The process of making these images mirrored the intent of the photographs themselves, bringing together people unknown to each other and connecting them through their human need to see and be seen.