Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Artist Statement



Women in Action

This body of work highlights the past eight years of my photojournalist activism.  I have attended local, national and international community meetings, workshops, rallies, marches, protests, and conferences in search of knowledge within social movements.  My camera’s lens has become an extension, enabling me to freeze time and document life.  My photographs add pages to the human story.  I have taken the role of timekeeper very serious, feeling responsible for capturing and safekeeping the voices of my generation. 
The pages of history illustrate how throughout time, women around the world have been disproportionately impacted by social, environmental and economic injustices.  Too often we are silenced and excluded from the political and religious decision-making process, as in the case of reproductive rights and ownership of our bodies.   During times of war and economic instability, we have seen a rise of domestic violence, which contributes to our inability to feel safe in the streets and inside our homes.  In spite of oppressive social systems and conditions, women continue to stand up and demand an end to gender and economic repression.
I share these images with the intention of raising questions and initiating conversations about the direct/indirect roles humans play in oppression and the exploitation of privilege by dominant cultures.  This work aims to bring awareness to struggles and victories.  This is a celebration of the resilience of women who continue to fight for human dignity and the right to live free of violence and all forms of oppression.
 

© 2011 Taína Vargas-Sosa

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