ABANDONED ELDERLY - GRACE AND BEAUTY
Michele Zousmer | Romania and Bulgaria, Romania and Bugaria
Photographer: Michele Zousmer
Exhibit Title: ABANDONED ELDERLY - GRACE AND BEAUTY
Location: Romania and Bulgaria, Romania and Bugaria
Thirty years ago Communism was over. After years of being in this state of control many people, young and old, especially the educated, fled their countries to start a new life in other parts of the world. New governments took over but life has remained difficult for many. In Romania and Bulgaria, many older people live in isolated rural areas with very low incomes that hardly cover daily food. These people worked on collective farms during the communist era and their pensions are very low. These elderly spend their days collecting firewood for cooking and heat and collecting wild berries, herbs, and mushrooms to preserve for long winters. Families visit rarely. Neighbors help when they can.
All of us face challenges as we age. These people spend their last days enduring poverty, loneliness, and isolation. These challenges are extreme. So sad.
I am a humanitarian and fine art photographer. I give voice to marginalized communities and witness to the human experience. My work celebrates the individual’s strength and beauty, as well as their vulnerability and spirit, going beyond how one presents oneself to the world. My work captures elusive moments of grace and emotion in difficult times not see by most. I believe the visual image creates a lasting impression of emotion, curiosity, love, and ultimately hope and humanity.
What is important to me in my work is the way my understanding of people and the world deepens. I hope my work inspires others to see that we all matter and to care more profoundly. Engaging in the world and experiencing different viewpoints and traditions, allows for more conversations on diversity.
https//: www.michelezousmer.com
@humanityisart
michele@michelezousmer.com
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