How visual storytelling uncovers the hidden threads of human systems
In short: Join anthropologist and documentary photographer Michael Hicks as he explains how visual anthropology moves beyond mere imagery to illuminate complex social and political dynamics.
Hicks advocates for a holistic view of systems, arguing that understanding any entity—from a nonprofit to a global business—requires analyzing its interconnections. His methodology bridges academic research with applied fieldwork, drawing on his decade-long career as a photojournalist documenting issues like e-waste and post-earthquake Haiti.
A key pillar of his practice is the balance between documentation and ethics. To ensure authentic representation, Hicks prioritizes building empathy and establishing connections with participants before capturing their image. This approach allows visual anthropology to serve as a tool for addressing pressing social challenges, such as generational poverty.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Visual Anthropology & Ethnography w/ Michael Hicks
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