Warm Rain

Warm Rain is an extension of my latest project Venezuelan Youth, where I explore the lives of the young in relation to the current situation in my home country, Venezuela. Focusing on struggles such as the lack of opportunities, insecurity, immigration and most importantly the complex transition between their innocence to the harsh reality they face. In this second chapter of the project, the process of photographing the work was rather different. Three families took part and collaborated with me by allowing me into their homes, to work intimately with them. These families wake up to different realities, however, they are all affected by the current situation in Venezuela.

The Melean’s, a hard-working family where the children follow their dreams. Estefferson the oldest is now living in Chicago after receiving a hundred percent scholarship at his current university. Sarai the only girl of the family, had to pause her studies at the University Andres Bello as the cost was too high for her family to cover. The youngest sibling, Gerson is following the steps of his older brother, training twice a day as he is hoping to be signed by the Major League Baseball. The mother Yesenia shared her hopes for her children to find a way to succeed in Venezuela or more likely in another country.

A family of five asked to keep their identity anonymous for safety purposes, the youngest girl who is twenty-two years took part in the Miss Venezuela beauty pageant, she is now pursuing her career as a model. While her brother and sister left the country many years back for better opportunities. The family parents have hope for Venezuela, however, they worry about their future as the inflation is worsening, the lack of basic goods is severe and the medical care unreliable.

Finally, the Fermin Reyes family of eleven children, only five of them are living at home with their mother and father. They have lacked food and medicine for the past few years, allowing them to have breakfast, but they often have to miss out on lunch and dinner. The youngest kids are Carmen and Carlos, both smart with hope for their futures. Felix, a teenager boy who carries a passion for drawing and painting. Wanda, a 17-year-old girl who was seven months pregnant when I photographed her, as a consequence of being raped by a neighbour. She has now given birth to twin girls who she loves, lastly, Abraham the oldest son living at the house travels often as he joined the military. The last day I spent with them, we traveled to the beach, they were free while they had a brief break from their harsh reality.