Artist statement

Homelessness is often seen as an individual failure, but in reality, it is a symptom of a larger, systemic issue. In this photo essay, I explore the harsh reality of life on the streets, not as a passive observer, but as someone who has been close to experiencing it firsthand. My connection to this subject is personal—I have lived on the edge of homelessness multiple times, particularly in London. That proximity has shaped my perspective, making this series not just a documentation but a deeply felt statement.

Visually, my work dramatizes what is already impactful and tragic. I use open diaphragms to isolate my subjects, emphasizing their presence over their environment, much like society sees them—figures detached from the world around them. My editing leans toward high contrast because in starkness, truth becomes unavoidable. The interplay of light and shadow mirrors the emotional and physical isolation of those forced to survive on the streets.

Through this series, I want to challenge the common narrative that homelessness is purely a personal failing. Society plays a crucial role in its perpetuation through financial illiteracy, a culture of short-term gratification (which in my view has to do with hedonism), the lack of a spiritual or ethical path, rampant real estate speculation and the lack of emotional intelligence education. These forces push people to the margins while making it nearly impossible for them to return.

Yet, beyond the exhaustion, shame, and escapism that come with homelessness, this essay also captures moments of resilience and shifts in perspective. It asks a fundamental question: What is our responsibility in this crisis? Are we willing to see these individuals as more than just statistics?