"Facing Ourselves" by Patricia Houghton Clarke

The United Nations High Commission on Refugees estimates that there are currently about 200 million refugees and migrants worldwide who have been displaced from their homes and their countries. This may be due to war, economic disaster, persecution, famine or climate change. Patricia Houghton Clarke’s current project, “Facing Ourselves,” gives a voice to those who have lost everything, endured tremendous hardships, and been forced to leave their homes. The project also tells the stories of the communities that have taken them in and helped them to integrate.

Clarke’s portraits of refugees and migrants invite viewers to consider the scope and nature of this global issue, showing us the faces of individuals who are so much more than mere statistics. She will continue her work with communities in Puglia, Italy; London; Berlin; Copenhagen; Lesbos, Greece; Mexico City, and southern California.  A documentary film about the project, called New Neighbors, is also being made in conjunction with Clarke’s photographic work.

If you would like to support “Facing Ourselves,” please consider purchasing a mini accordion print (click here for details) or making a direct donation. You can also follow the project on Facebook (click here). Please contact bonnie@silo118.com for more information.