NEVER SURRENDER

Taking a site-specific source image, my post production works commemorate victims and survivors who have been subjected to acts of senseless violence.  Each piece serves as an introduction to a conversation about hate-fueled violence and an educational tool on the dangers of radicalized thinking and conspiracy theories. The unique aesthetic imagery proves that, to address collective trauma, we do not need to be subjected to graphic images from the crime scene. Instead abstract imagery can provide a “non-triggering” starting point to open and invite others into a discussion Each image is meant to be a beacon of hope or a focal point of healing and/or meditation.  

Orlando 01 was my first image that dealt with homophobic violence. As I continue with this series, I have come across more incidents in which the LGBTQ community has been targetted. Some are historical while others are current. Before I travel, I will research a location for my series Out of the Darkness. The series is not political and will include any incident of unprovoked attacks. Commonalities between incidents have presented themselves; these include radicalization, femicide and homophobia. There will be more pieces to follow.

Recently we’ve seen push-back against our community with the recent “1 Million March 4 Children” in Canada which directly opposes the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity curriculum for our schools. As well in the U.S. and internationally, the push-back against gay rights has become a greater priority of the right wing agenda.

It’s time to stand up. My art is my voice and protest against violence and hate.  

Never Surrender is a song by Corey Hart that was the #1 song in Canada in 1985 (the year Kenneth Zeller died).  The lyrics just seemed to fit to this specific set of images from Out of the Darkness