ARTIST STATEMENT
In my current photographic work, I delve into the nuanced narratives of those existing on society’s periphery, particularly individuals suffering from chronic illness and trauma. These conditions, while profoundly impactful, often remain unseen and unacknowledged by the broader public. My intent is to bring visibility to these invisible experiences, capturing the essence of those navigating life within the “kingdom of the sick” (Sontag). Through intimate interviews and environmental portrait sessions, I collaborate with my subjects, allowing them to share their stories in a safe space. This process not only documents their experiences but also empowers them, transforming their narratives into powerful visual statements. By weaving together these personal stories, I aim to create a fabric of community and connection, highlighting the shared humanity of those living on the edge of medical knowledge and societal recognition. The narrative portraits reveal the resilience and strength of individuals who, despite being systematically overlooked, continue to navigate their lives with dignity and courage. Photography, as a democratic medium, allows me to tell these stories with authenticity and empathy, challenging societal norms and encouraging a deeper understanding of what it means to exist on the periphery.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Kathleen’s artwork investigates the passage of time, memory, and the fleeting nature of experience, particularly focusing on intimate spaces and relationships. Her artistic journey began in early youth with a simple Kodak Instamatic camera, a gift which has proven to be a life-changing instrument for collecting and telling stories as well as witnessing others and examining our shared humanity. Sanker is a distinguished, award-winning Professor of Art at Saint Charles Community College, where she has devoted over two decades to helping students expand their creative life experiences and artistic toolboxes. Her exceptional teaching has won her the Callanan Excellence in Teaching Award (CENTER Santa Fe 2024) and the prestigious Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award (2016). Her academic credentials include an MFA from Washington University in St. Louis and a BFA from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Her work enjoys a wide audience across various platforms, having been showcased by esteemed galleries such as the Sheldon Art Galleries, Ellen Curlee, A Smith Gallery, and the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis. As an invited visiting artist, critic, juror, and board advisor, Kathleen has enriched many institutions with her experience and expertise, including the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, the University of Missouri – Columbia, and the Foundry Art Centre among others. Her work has earned the honor of being held in numerous private and public collections, nationally.
© Kathleen M. Sanker