Illustrating significance in transitory times.
An exhibition based on a PhD by Steph Busby and in collaboration with artist and activist, Berwyn Mure. This project is based on the visual component of a PhD study exploring the trans experience of homelessness and health. The illustrations are based on real objects and items kindly brought to the study by participants as they shared their stories.
Thank you to the Ferens Education Trust and the University of Hull's Higher Education Innovation Fund for funding this project.
BM
The exhibition story
This project showcases the creative component of a University of Hull-funded PhD study by Steph Busby, researching how health interacts with being trans and experiencing homelessness. The project is part of the homeless healthcare cluster at Hull York Medical School, and this exhibition showcases the object elicitation component of the larger study.
​
Methods
Data was collected using narrative inquiry - participants discussed their life story and mapped significant events or experiences onto a timeline. Alongside timeline mapping, the study used object elicitation in which participants were asked to bring a significant item with them in relation to their gender, their homelessness / housing experiences, or their health. Exploring the importance and the impact on their lives, these objects have become the visual representation of how physical possessions can be anchors during transitory times.
​
Words
After discussing the importance of the items, participants were asked to sum up the item’s significance in one word, which has become the title for the image. Each title was defined using the Oxford English Dictionary. To expand the meaning and sentiments behind these words, a synonym chain was used, with each word being a synonym of the previous. The final word in each chain represents a narrative thread running through the original life story and timeline of those who shared them. The quotes are from the participants who took part in the exhibition; however, they may not be directly linked to the image they are placed nearby.
Images and collaboration
Originally, the project aimed to use photographs of the items; however, some items had been lost along the way, and it became apparent that photos may compromise anonymity due to the relatively small trans community and the increase in social media. To reanimate lost items and to reduce the risk of compromised anonymity, the illustrations were created in collaboration with trans artist and activist, Berwyn Mure. Berwyn created these illustrations using photos of the original items and/or descriptions. He met with the lead researcher monthly over a 12-month period to storyboard, re-work, and plot how to capture the complex layered meaning of the items included. The images were sent to participants for feedback, allowing Berwyn to act on suggested changes. The final image in this exhibition encompasses the key themes of the wider research project: safety, self-expression, permanence, and the meaning of home.
​
Acknowledgements
Thank you to my supervisors Dr Liz Price and Kay Brady for supporting the exhibition, and to Dr Paul Whybrow for assisting with sourcing funding. I would also to extend a special thanks to Dr Alex Young, Laura Fillingham, Jess Hutchinson, and Dr Kat Sanders for all your help in making this exhibition come to life, it has been a joy to work with you, and the passion you have the project is so encouraging. Most importantly, to the participants who told me their stories, and to Berwyn who created these illustrations to honour them, thank you.
​
“There’s magic in being seen by people who understand – it gives you permission to keep going” - ALOK VAID-MENON
​