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PENTAGRAM IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS DESIGN FIRMS IN THE WORLD. These signs were photographed as part of a campaign to bring awareness and help to these individuals. All of the copy below is from their web site—and there is a link below to tell you more and show you ways you can help.
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In the Spring of 2008, when DJ Stout proposed that our next issue of Pentagram Papers focus on the plight of the homeless, the Dow was above 13,000 and the U.S. unemployment rate was below 6%. This choice of subject matter, however, proved sadly prescient. While the publication was in production, the world suffered the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.
We have all seen the homeless on street corners holding hand-scrawled signs. Pentagram Papers 39 features signs from the personal collection of author and legendary Texas musician Joe Ely, photographed by Randal Ford, and a series of large format portraits of homeless people by Austin photographer Michael O’Brien. Ely wrote the foreword.
Joe Ely was homeless for eight years of his life after he jumped on a freight train headed out of Lubbock, Texas, when he was 17 years old. During his wanderings he kept a journal of musings, verses, songs and sketches. Because of his fascination with and compassion for the homeless men and women he encountered along the way, he began to pay them for their hand-written signs.
These signs, some of the most basic forms of graphic communication in our society today, combined with O’Brien’s unblinking black-and-white portraits, are a reminder that with a little bad luck we could easily find ourselves in similar straits—and that at times we can all use a helping hand. We encourage you to join us in supporting the charities we list or a local one of your choice.
All copy and photos above via Pentagram Papers.
2 comments:
I'm moved by this - though I've always been moved by those people who live on the outer edges of society.
What strikes me about the homeless is that they are invisible to many of us. I've often wondered what it must be like to have something to say and no one to say it to. To me, these signs are kind of a message out there in the wind - tossed out with the hope that it might stick with someone.
Your site gives me something every single day. Thanks
Jen
Thanks Jen... you are right, there IS an invisible population out there. They are mentally ill, drug addicted, it doens't matter why they are there, they just are. And they always have been. I too, am moved by the fringe... it is where few dare to go. It's safer inside the lines.
Glad I give you something daily--your comments make me feel the hard work, the searching, the TIME— is worthwhile.
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