Portraits of homelessness raise $80,000

Reporter·NZ Herald·

25 Oct, 2017 10:16 PM2 mins to read

Hori came down from Puhoi to see the exhibition. Photo / John Crawford

In the two days John Crawford's 25 portraits of the homeless hung on the walls of the Gow Langsford gallery 2000 people traipsed through its doors, raising close to $80,000.

The money raised from the On the Street exhibition, one of Crawford's biggest to date, will all go towards the Auckland City Mission's work helping those on the streets.

Crawford, 67, did not quite hit his goal of $100,000, but was nevertheless ecstatic at the thousands he'd raised.

Opening night at the Gow Langsford Gallery where the "On the Street" exhibition was held. Photo: John Crawford

He said the "biggest bonus" was being able to raise awareness around homelessness.

"The biggest impact on me after the event was the emotions shown by those who viewed the stories and images together. It was very real.

"Everyone that came in stopped and read the stories... emotions were running real high. People were crying."

Among the visitors were some of those whose profiles were hanging on the walls.

One, Hori - known as George to his friends - came specially from where he was living in Puhoi, north of Auckland.

Amanda has had two children from relationships on the streets. She had to give them up for adoption. Photo / John Crawford

Crawford said the photo subjects weren't given anything directly, but a special dinner was being organised for the homeless community.

"It will be at the City Mission, just in recognition, basically saying thanks. Any of the streeties will be welcome."

Auckland city missioner Chris Farrelly expressed his gratitude for all the hard work that went into the exhibtion.

"Donations raised from the exhibition are invaluable to supporting our essential services for Aucklanders in desperate need."

Crawford, who spent three years photographing people on the streets, and more than three months organising the exhibition said it has been a long, but successful journey.

The professional photographer, whose work has taken him around the world, is probably best known for his Aerial Nudes project.

The photos show a naked woman, his then-wife, body splayed in outdoor settings: a commercial caryard, on a black sand beach, on a train track and in a pig sty. The images were taken more than 20 years ago but won a legion of new fans when shared on social media last year.

His latest project on homelessness was another personal one, driven by his desire to bridge the gap between the public and those on the street who often go ignored.