Hope in Shadows Photographers Recognized for their Art

When Pivot started the Hope in Shadows project in 2003, we knew that it would bring into focus the talent and creativity that exists in the Downtown Eastside community. The three- day photo contest is open to all low-income residents of the neighbourhood and continues to gives rise to some brilliant photography.

Upon seeing the winning images, it often surprises viewers to learn that the photographs are taken with single-use cameras. Pendulum gallery curator Chris Keatley says that “working within a limited technical format levels the field for the participant and puts the emphasis on the eye of the artist.”

As the project has evolved, the Hope in Shadows photographers are being recognized for their “artist’s eye”. Their photography has twice been exhibited at the Mayworks Festival on Vancouver Island and private sales of prints are a regular occurrence. Recently a selection of Hope in Shadows photographs was auctioned at Dignity, a touring international event curated by the NURU project benefiting the Acumen Fund.

This month, five Hope in Shadows photographers are being commissioned to create new photography for an interdisciplinary performance by TomoeArts. Selected for their ability to shoot portraits with awareness and sensitivity, these photographers will have a unique opportunity to collaborate with theatre and dance communities while developing their skills in digital photography. The images they produce will provide the backdrop and scenic setting for a contemporary dance performance reminiscent of a Japanese festival dance. The project – which has a working title of EN (circle/fate) – will have public performances at the Firehall Theatre in July as part of the Dancing on the Edge Festival.

Director and choreographer Colleen Lanki of TomoeArts tells us what drew her to collaborate with the Hope in Shadows photographers. “The Hope in Shadows photographs I have seen are not just beautiful photographs, all capture the hearts of the people and places in the photos. There is an honesty and power in the Hope in Shadows artists and it will be an honour to work with them.”A selection of Hope in Shadows photographs has also been selected for publication in Megaphone’s 68-page Voices of the Street literary issue which is currently available from street vendors.

Hot on the heels of collaborations with TomoeArts and Megaphone we will launch the 9th annual Hope in Shadows photography contest. On the first day of June, early in the morning, 200 Downtown Eastside residents will visit us at a local gallery to receive a single- use camera and an opportunity to submit a winning entry that showcases not only their talent but their way of seeing their community.