BELONGING
"Connecting Humanity Through Art"
Article by Andrea Fridley, as published In the Mound City Messenger
Belonging is a powerful example of how art can move us to understand each other in a more meaningful way – the immersive art experience showcases and celebrates the faces and stories of individuals living with Down syndrome. Presented by the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DSAGSL), renowned photographer and humanitarian Randy Bacon’s portraits and videos give a deep glimpse into the lives of the exhibit’s subjects, and their families and caregivers, while also highlighting the beauty of unconditional love, the power of human connection, and the universal desire and need to belong.
Bacon, a Missourian who has been a professional photographer and artist for over three decades, says that his mission is to highlight beautiful people who don’t normally have a voice. “With my work in general, I try to make it as little about me and my team, and as much about the person as possible,” Bacon said.
He is also co-founder and the artist behind the photography and cinematography of the nonprofit humanitarian story movement, 8 Billion Ones. Bacon’s prolific work is a testament to the human experience. Erin Suelmann, Executive Director of DSAGSL, was inspired by his exhibit, “Just as I Am,” a portrait and story series created in conjunction with Kansas City’s Down Syndrome Innovations, and reached out to Bacon to work together to create “Belonging.”
“I think that right now we are living in a world where there is a lot of division and rhetoric of how we should be afraid of different groups of people. My hope is that folks can see this exhibit and see there needs to be no fear of people with disabilities,” Suelmann said. “It’s a tool to remind us of our shared humanity.”
The black and white portraits in the exhibition are accompanied by quotes from spontaneous interviews Bacon and his team conduct during their photography sessions. Bacon does not meet his subjects in advance, and they don’t know that they will be interviewed; the surprise element creates a truly organic connection between Bacon and the person being photographed.
“I like the spontaneity and organic nature of our meetings. Before we meet, I am a nervous wreck, and usually the other person is too. We connect through that, come to terms with it, and truly get to know each other and trust each other. This makes the work have truth,” Bacon said. “The work is all about the complexity in the midst of simplicity. The little nuances, the small things that are unique to that person becomes the complexity of the work. Sometimes very simple things will be said, and it takes a while to sink in. Like, wow, the importance of kindness and love, and just the little things like hanging out with family or friends. That sticks with me.”
In addition to the portrait series, “Belonging” also includes 15 short films Bacon and his team created with the subjects—3 to 4-minute-long conversational pieces with the subjects delving deeper into their personalities, individual experiences, and connections with the people in their lives.
“This exhibit is about love, and the ability to love unconditionally,” added Suelmann. “We all have struggles and moments in our life when we need to be uplifted. A rising tide lifts all boats. If we all support each other, we can all thrive.”
