Project: A living canvas for South Asians impacted by HIV
South Asians are one of the largest and growing demographics in Canada. There is a crucial need to empower and educate South Asian on the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS such as stigma, discrimination, alienation, isolation for many South Asian living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
This is a long-term photographic art study; a joint venture project by Sabu Oureshi and Devan Nambiar to document the lives of South Asian impacted by HIV.
There is no definite termination point. This project is constructed as living canvas of the multidimensional lives of South Asians impacted by HIV. In the long-term it is hoped this living canvas will empower and embrace South Asians impacted by HIV/AIDs with dignity, respect and humanity.
The objective is to explore the very important issue of HIV/AIDS, through the lens of the camera, from the viewpoint of those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The work is documentary in nature, presenting images in raw form, without bias and prejudice. It is an exploration of human emotions and personal experience. The body of work, as a whole, is meant to open up a dialogue surrounding the issue.
The images will be used with the participant’s permission and signed consent. Some AIDS Service Organizations may use the images as an education tool, to promote awareness about HIV/AIDS. In addition the images will provide a platform to express themselves creatively to tell their story.
The work is objective and will be photographed with sensitivity and respect for the participant and his/her surroundings. Those wishing to remain anonymous and still want to participate can do so by having their photograph taken in silhouette, or have their hands photographed.
The process by which this will be attempted is by documentary photography in the form of still images captured with digital SLR cameras. Participant / photographer collaboration is pivotal in building the story together.
All participants will receive a 11 inches x 14 inches beautiful large format black and white photographic print, signed by the photographer. |
