Eight Embroiderers

This project is co-created with homeless men learning embroidery with foundation "Amor real". I photographed their portraits, then invited them to embroider over the images whatever was important for them, transforming images to personal stories.

While photographing homeless people in Colombia, I discovered that some of them are trying to escape life on the streets by learning new, sometimes unusual professions. These professions are unusual not only in terms of their life circumstances, but also in terms of gender stereotypes. This inspires hope and shows that even when living in very difficult and dangerous conditions, it is possible to create something beautiful.

A foundation called “Amor Real” ("True Love") is redefining streetwear, and at the heart of this foundation are its embroiderers, young men between 20 and 40 years. All of them have experienced homelessness in some way. For them this work offers more than an income; it’s a safer, more dignified alternative to collecting garbage or selling candy. It also provides a sense of belonging and, for some, a fresh start. While not everyone succeeds in leaving the streets, the opportunity is there.

Diamantina, the head of the foundation, and I selected eight regular participants and invited them to co-author this photo project. I took simple black-and-white portraits, printed them on canvas, and asked the participants to embroider the top. They could alter the images however they wished — reimagining, reclaiming, or simply expressing their inner worlds. In that way, this project is something of an experiment. One where the photographer steps back, and the storytellers also take their place.