Triptychs of the Homeless: John, Rachel and Danny

During the Covid pandemic, I have found myself questioning many aspects of my existence. I have been drawn to working with the homeless in Sydney, questioning what makes a home, and reflecting on experiencing its absence. The stories of the homeless are many. Childhood abuse, severe injury, psychosis are common. There is often substance abuse though it is usually a symptom, rarely the cause. There is always poverty, then trauma. It’s a frightening prospect. One bad knock too many, and a life’s balance can be shattered. I tried living on the streets. It was hard, really hard. I felt judged, shunned and very alone. After 24 hours, I’d had a gut full. In taking these photographs of Danny, Rachel and John, I realised that in the past I had turned away from what I didn’t want to see. I was uncomfortable. Did I see them, or had I chosen not to look? Should we choose to see, the homeless reveal the state of our community. It is our own humanity that is on display.