PHOTOVOICE ASSIGNMENTS
PhotoVoice is both an art form and a way to record facts. It can describe realities, communicate perspectives, and raise awareness of social and global issues. The goal of this project is for positive social change, through delivering innovative participatory photography projects. The motivation for this type of artistic expression is to build the skills and capacity of underrepresented or at-risk communities, creating new tools of self-advocacy and communication.
Healing
Ceiling art of St. Mark's Basilica in Florence
This image symbolizes healing in a spiritual context. As class was held in this location, one could feel the dynamic of the setting change as we entered this building. Tourists and locals from various backgrounds gathered at St. Mark's to experience healing in different extents. Some kneeled at the altar to pray, some lit candles of remembrance, and others admired the architectural beauty of the vast religious entity.
Diversity
Tourists on the street of Venezia St. Lucia
During one of my first days in Italy, I noticed how diverse tourists were. While walking down the street it seemed as if I would hear a new accent every few minutes. I was shocked to hear and see the wide variety of cultural backgrounds coming to visit Italy. It was surprising to see the diversity amongst the local population as well. Workers at each of the street shops appeared to be from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Health Protection Item
Produce section from a local grocery store in Venezia Mestre
This image was taken on one of my first trips to the grocery store. After this visit, I quickly realized how different Italian nutrition was from the United States. Produce stores are available every few blocks and the selection of items is vast. Italian grocers keep the produce items that are disfigured, whereas American grocers would throw them out.
Health Communication
Telephone booth on the sidewalk of Venezia St. Lucia
I noticed many photo booths lining the streets and sidewalks of Italy. Despite many citizens having access to cellular devices, I found it interesting to find these outdated phones throughout the city. I also noticed the delay in technology advancements throughout stores and restaurants, which lead me to believe a delay of communication due to a lack of modern technologies.
Health in Italy
Father crossing the street with his daughter in Rome
This image is taken of a father picking his daughter up from school in Rome. I believe this captures two key components of health in Italy: physical activity and education. I have observed differences in social class here in Italy and believe higher education levels contribute to improved health status.
Health Practices
Limoncello shot in Florence
After dinner one evening the servers at our restaurant served us this yellow alcohol in a shot form. I later learned it was a Limoncello shot, commonly used in the Italian culture to sip on after dinner. The drink is believed to help with digestion from the meal.