"Where I Belong"

A Photo Exhibition of Children Who Have Lost Their Parents to HIV/AIDS

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 27, 2010 6:30 pm

Show at 8:00 pm

CHIANG MAI – Cultural Canvas Thailand (CCT) proudly announces the opening of "Where I Belong," a photo exhibition that documents the lives of children whose families have been affected by HIV/AIDS. The exhibition is a collaborative project between CCT and Grandma Cares, an organization that provides funding and support to families impacted by HIV/AIDS. CCT conducted a series of workshops for the children of Grandma Cares, introducing them to photographic technique. The children explored how to express abstract concepts such as "family" through this visual medium. With a camera and roll of film, each child created their own definition of family. The resulting exhibition includes over 30 photographs, which provide a snapshot into each child's life, their perception of family, and a world shaped by difficult life experiences. The 12 photographers, aged 10-16, have each been taken under the care of their grandparents. Although the shape of each child's family has changed, they continue to cherish those closest to them. The photographs depict both the places and people that contribute to their sense of belonging.

"Where I Belong" introduces the children of Grandma Cares to the greater Chiang Mai community. The exhibition hopes to use the children's documentation to raise awareness about the effect of HIV/AIDS on families, and how often this population is overlooked. . In addition to raising awareness and support, the exhibition hopes to raise funds to sponsor more children. Donations will go directly to the sponsorship of these children, helping to provide them and their grandmothers with the adequate resources and materials necessary to start the rebuilding of a family.

NOTE: Show moves to Think Park March 1st.

I think most of us, including me, never appreciate how lucky we bloody are.