Outside by Keith Z at [things/found] Atelier

November 6-29
Opening Reception- First Thursday, November 6th, 5-9pm

[things/found] Atelier
1704 NW Johnson Street
Portland, 97209
(503) 512-9719
Hours: Thursday-Friday-Saturday 1pm to 6pm
www.thingsfoundatelier.com

Outside by Keith Z is a photographic collaboration with Portland’s homeless community, combining photography, social work, and storytelling in order to create a better understanding of that community.

The work is comprised of portraits of community members, environmental photographs of the circumstances in which they live, long form interviews with these individuals, and stories about those who are gone. All of the photos and stories are made collaboratively with community members, with full consent and knowledge, based on trust, relationships, and shared experience.

Outside establishes proof of life for community members who are willfully ignored by family, friends and larger society. Both the images and the storytelling focus on the human dimensions of an existential, life threatening struggle that are often eschewed in favor of more sensational fare. The book provides space to become intimate with community members they might never have known, the hope being that with better understanding comes better fellowship and better solutions.

Keith Z lives, photographs and reaches out to his community in Portland, Oregon. A recovering addict and alcoholic who was homeless himself for some years, lived experience informs his work. He has worked in a variety of transitional housing facilities and clinics.

[things/found] Atelier is half art gallery and half art/vintage/jewelry store attached to the studio for local Portland artist, Angel O’Brien. The gallery and store are open Thursday through Saturday 1-6pm, as well as by appointment or whimsy.