ARTIST STATEMENT
The homeless embody the stark reality of societal neglect. Stripped of their relevance and dignity, they become living ghosts while the world passes them by. This invisibility is a disempowering force, robbing them of their voice and presence. Each individual, with their unique story and background, fades into the anonymity of the streets, reduced to mere shadows in the eyes of passersby. The sight of a homeless person, often avoided or ignored, becomes a stark reminder of the collective failure to address the root causes of homelessness. This perpetuates a cycle of invisibility, where the homeless remain out of sight and out of mind, further marginalized and dehumanized. Yet, for some of these individuals, invisibility can become a strategic cloak of safety. In a world that too often vilifies their existence, and laws in place in a growing number of states criminalizing homelessness, the homeless might embrace this invisibility as a form of self-preservation. By remaining unseen, they navigate the perils of the streets with a semblance of safety, avoiding the gaze that could lead to harm or exploitation. This paradoxical aspect of invisibility reveals a complex layer of survival, where being overlooked can sometimes offer a semblance of protection in an otherwise hostile environment.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Alexandra has worked professionally for major media outlets, and her photography has appeared in a myriad of news publications and books both nationally and internationally. She has exhibited in over 85 shows at galleries, cultural centers, and museums, and her photographs are in numerous private collections. Alexandra was an invited 2022 Art in Embassies Cultural Exchange artist with the U.S. Department of State.
© Alexandra Buxbaum