John Kilar's Skid Row Photography is Powerful and Heart-Wrenching
Vasiliki Marapas — April 14, 2014 — Fashion
John Kilar's Skid Row photography project for VICE UK is truly inspiring. Skid Row is known as a particularly squalid, destitute neighborhood and home for the impoverished, located in the city of Los Angeles. In an attempt to gentrify, the city pursued a public health initiative -- citing a recent tuberculosis outbreak as the impetus -- that would seize the possessions of its inhabitants.
The project was interrupted by a court injunction granted to advocacy groups, who argued that what the city considered "trash," was actually the only remaining property of this marginalized group.
Intent to document the meager belongings of the residents, John Kilar headed down to Skid Row. His photographic subjects included Michelle, a 42-year-old who has been living in Skid Row for the past decade. Her "whole life" consists of her dog Skippy, a wheelchair, a dog bowl, shoes, a bag and a suitcase of clothing. Another resident, Alex, laments that, "Everybody's sh*t gets stolen every day." He carries with him a Bible, gloves, a tarp, a shopping cart, a blanket, a radio and a hat.
The project was interrupted by a court injunction granted to advocacy groups, who argued that what the city considered "trash," was actually the only remaining property of this marginalized group.
Intent to document the meager belongings of the residents, John Kilar headed down to Skid Row. His photographic subjects included Michelle, a 42-year-old who has been living in Skid Row for the past decade. Her "whole life" consists of her dog Skippy, a wheelchair, a dog bowl, shoes, a bag and a suitcase of clothing. Another resident, Alex, laments that, "Everybody's sh*t gets stolen every day." He carries with him a Bible, gloves, a tarp, a shopping cart, a blanket, a radio and a hat.
Trend Themes
1. Homelessness Awareness - Creating innovative ways to shed light on the issue of homelessness to inspire change from corporations and governments.
2. Documentary Photography - Exploring new ways to visually tell stories and creatively document real-world issues through photography and other mediums.
3. Community Advocacy - Encouraging community-based groups to advocate for marginalized groups and provide direct support to those in need.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Using photography to bring attention and inspire change for social issues affecting communities.
2. Community Outreach - Developing innovative strategies that bring much-needed support to homeless populations and governments advocating for policies that support marginalized groups.
3. Advocacy Groups - Forming advocacy groups and setting up grassroots campaigns to combat issues affecting marginalized communities through political and legal strategies.
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