Out of focus: Untold stories of our homeless neighbors
Raising awareness for homelessness through visual storytelling in New York City
Out of Focus: Untold Stories of Our Homeless Neighbors was created to bring the stories of guests from the New York City Rescue Mission into the light.
The audience is invited to immerse themselves in these narratives of ostracism and abandonment, struggle and triumph, dreams and aspirations and ultimately of hope restored.
Featuring portraits and audio excerpts from nine guests of the New York City Rescue mission, Out of Focus was conceptualized as an experiential exhibition allowing audiences to hear firsthand from the homeless guests residing at the New York City Rescue Mission.
The exhibition was held at New York University’s Lafayette Hall, a student dormitory located next to the New York City Rescue Mission.
Telling a visual story about homelessness requires meticulous attention to details
Stories from the source: Firsthand accounts were edited into 2–3 minute clips that encourage reflection and communicate the idea that homelessness is often only one step away for anyone.
Audio as context: While visuals capture only part of each story, audio narratives provide deeper insight, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the resilience and complex circumstances that led guests to the New York City Rescue Mission.
Intentional casting: Guests were thoughtfully selected to represent diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences, reflecting the wide range of individuals supported by the New York City Rescue Mission.
Ethical care and representation: Every stage of the process prioritized guests’ comfort, consent, and agency, ensuring their stories were told respectfully, accurately, and on their own terms.
Special thanks to Rebecca Lee, the New York City Rescue Mission, Angie Kim, Alex Merchant, Glafira Shanabrook, Darren Boswell, Ivan Kelemen, Nathaniel Picard-Busky, Samantha Trance, Editha Mesina, Tom Drysdale, Mark Jenkinson, Caleb Savage.
This exhibition ran from 30 April to 15 August 2017 at Lafayette Hall and was open to all New York University Staff and Students.