The series of drawings titled “Creating Visibility for the Invisible” explores the dynamics of homelessness, and reveals the paths and circumstances that led to their subject’s displacement. The drawings reflect upon the homeless individual’s isolation, while examining the common misconceptions to focus on the long-standing chasm between the homeless and their surrounding communities. I talk to each individual for three to four hours in an effort to understand the reasons they became homeless. As references for my drawings, I take between fifteen to twenty photographs. The latitude and longitude of the location where I spoke to them is added to the drawing as a geographical point for the viewer. This is their home.
My work reveals the barriers that have been created by stereotypes, and considers the homeless population from a different perspective. In re-evaluating their plight through art, I recognize the homeless and nurture the hope that they will no longer be ignored. Instead, they are seen as people who are doing the best they can to survive. They are people who have a story, if only we would take time to listen.
To see more images click here: https://angeliaford.com/gallery/