Humanity

Just came across this amazing photographer working on a project on the "intended and unintended consequences of gun violence in the United States and Guatemala" Powerful, sensitive pictures!

Too Young To Die

The Blue Earth Project

EbonyJet

I have been listening to the news with despair - hearing the pundits and the politicians posturing as the news media whips up the latest frenzy. So much of it is irresponsible and dangerous. My reaction - turn off the television and the radio, absorb myself in the demands of my own life, stick my head in the sand so I can live... but then that is not me, so I am just disheartened.

Because I am on vacation, I have a little time to explore some of the vast amount of stuff that flits across my computer screen, and this morning I found this photographer. I was so moved by his work. These photographs bring to light a reality that is all to easy to close our eyes to. How much more meaning they have than the blather of CNN. They stay with me, bring me to a still, deep place inside myself that must stop to feel the the reality of the world I live in; that must stop to acknowledge the pain and suffering that exists only in my peripheral vision unless I choose to look.

This is news. It informs and expands my world. This is art. It moves me and touches a deeper reality, not through my mind but through my senses. It leaves a lasting impression.

Strangely, this work does not really depress me or bring me down as tragic and  horrifying as is its' subject matter.  No, quite the opposite. I find it inspiring, uplifting even, beautiful. Why is that? Perhaps it is just the utter humanity it portrays. And the reality that is a relief to have expressed, rather than lurking in the shadows of our awareness.

How can work like this receive a larger place in our consciousness?