the oasis project: unseen - hopes and dreams
Introduction from the book Fridays At Oasis: I originally visited Oasis to share portraiture. I am interested in character, what makes it and how both character and experience are reflected in photographic portraits. To me, portraits are about revealing aspects of self, how you want to be perceived, how you perceive yourself to be, and who you really are. They are not about the veneer. in taking someone's portrait it is about looking further inside for what is true and authentic about where that person is, in this space, at this time. As a photographer, it's a two-way process. Portraits involve trust, and as a photographer I need to be "present" and then get out of the way to allow the individual to be seen. At Oasis I found authenticity, both in the people who work there and in the young people whose lives it touches. The quotes attached to the photographs (in the book) are unedited - these are their words, their reflections on their lives. they have been included to add context and further insight. Visiting Oasis regularly, mostly on Fridays, I have been profoundly moved by the work that is done there. These are tough kids - they've learnt to be in order to survive their experiences. But they are also regular kids with a need to belong and hopes and dreams just like the rest of us who've been a little more fortunate. In many cases I have been astounded by their level of maturity, self-understanding and wisdom at such a young age. Many clients continue to come back and visit years after leaving Oasis, as it really is a place that adds value to their lives. It gives a sense of family where perhaps they haven't had one and a place to belong, with recognition of their inherent value. It's a "safe place". an oasis, a place to rebuild lives. These portraits offer a glimpse into that space. - Kate Baker 2008 |
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| These photographs were made over a two and a half year period. They were all made using black and white film and traditional photographic processes. The earlier photographs were made with a 35mm Pentax from the early 1980s. Those from 2007 onwards were made with a 4x5 Linhof Kardan from the 1960s. Despite the monorail large format camera being a fairly imposing camera, none of the images are posed or directed. In some cases Kate asked the sitters to think about what matters most to them in their lives, this is what you can see in their faces. These young people have chosen to allow themselves to "be seen" and they have chosen to engage with the camera, with Kate as photographer and with you the viewer. Most of the quotes (in the book) are taken from conversations that took place while Kate was taking the photographs. Other than comments made by Kate or Paul (referenced), these are their words - direct quotes from the young people, unedited reflections on their lives/ Before the photography sessions, individuals agreed that the photos may be used for exhibition and publication and they gave their permissions for their story to be published. Insights from other sources are referenced. The images on this website have been made from scans of original prints made by Kate. |