OCCUPANCY

OCCUPANCY: AN ACTION, AN EXPLORATION

This project has transformed into something that I had not expected it to become, and I could not be happier. 


After suffering from abuse, rape, and trauma, I lost all of my confidence and desire to see myself in mirrors or photographs. Until a friend asked if she could take some pictures of me. Initially I was horrified by the idea and thought that it would do more harm than good. 


I have to admit, I was scared. However, I soon came to look forward to shooting, it was helping me step back, back to what my life used to look and feel like, and the opportunity to share, create, and talk with others about my experiences was, thus far, the most healing thing that I had ever done for myself, for as long as I can remember. 


As I started to feel inspired and empowered I fantasised about the idea of what this could potentially mean or do for other people. That maybe this form of expression could be a means to heal for others.

I decided to write a proposal for a project to do just that: to express, recover, and create in a safe environment.  


My initial proposal was formulated with one idea in mind: freedom of expression of both realities and fantasies. 


With a career in art and dance, for years I was used as a container and a voiceless vessel for the dreams, thoughts, or visions of others, however, never once was I asked who or what I wanted to be. 


How would you like to be perceived? 

How would you like to see yourself? 

What would you like to say? 

What is your fantasy? 


These were the questions that I was prepared to ask, and was ready to act and create accordingly. 


To me, a fantasy can be so many things. I wanted to listen and learn about the people in front of the camera. The subject being both the driving force of the creative journey, and encouraged to be their own muse. 


Throughout this process, this project has ventured into an exploration, touching on themes that differ from the original stimulus, adding an additional layer to my initial intention. 


Not all lives are equal, our system tells us so. Deeply rooted within our histories and the very foundation in which our current society is built upon, this is our current reality. Meaning that, the very existence of certain individuals is made to feel like a rebellion against that system. Many are living and fighting for an existence that is up for debate. 


Occupancy: the action of occupying space. 

A simple act for some, an impossible one for others. 


Until the right to exist, flourish, and prosper in any space or land, unharmed, without fear, injustice, cruelty, slaughter, or disrespect is possible, we have a fight in our midst. 


Discussions and personal experiences regarding rights, traumas, loss, hardships, and discoveries came to the surface during this process and I realised that, in order to make way for tangible, deep systematic change, those voices must be amplified. 


Therefore, regardless of the themes present in any of the shoots, the ultimate goal was empowerment and freedom. 


The right to occupy space, and thrive in that space. 


BREAKDOWN OF FUNDS:

I originally thought of creating a GoFundMe to cover my overhead costs:

Shooting and equipment
Maintaining a website
Printing a book full of these photographs to culminate the project

However, and additionally, there are people in need, and in the midst and rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement I soon came to realise what an impact a donation can make. 


As an active supporter, I would like to be able to make more contributions and donations to the BLM Movement, the LGBTQ+ community, and for women who have suffered from abuse and need support and shelter.

Therefore, I have chosen to set a higher goal, to be able to do more, for those I don’t know personally, and for my friends and family.

The more support I receive the larger I will be able to grow the project, allowing more people to participate and express themselves, in addition, it will mean more donations for those in need.


I believe that sympathy is not nearly enough, but that real compassion paired with work and action are the pathways in which we can begin to make way for lasting systemic change and justice. And I would like to start moving towards that change, creating art. 


I will be working on this project for the next three months, however, I would like to be able to donate funds as soon as possible. I have always dreamed of combining art and activism, making an impact in the community. Therefore, your support would mean the world to be, and would aid others both artistically and functionally. 


A message from Marisha Gaskell: Project participant 

I want to thank Jasmine for this wonderful experience. I felt really honoured that she thought of me and chose me for her project. When she pitched her idea for the project I absolutely loved it immediately. And I also had an idea how I wanted to present myself: as a strong but also vulnerable woman.

It meant a lot to me that she thought of me because like her, I’ve been in an abusive relationship which I’m still healing from. This shoot also helps as part of the healing process and for that, I am extremely grateful.

With no experience in modelling whatsoever, I was a little nervous to start with, but Jasmine took all my nerves away and made me feel absolutely beautiful. I had so much fun with her taking pictures at NDSM Werf in Amsterdam.

I got very excited when she sent me the pictures. So many emotions and feelings were shown: small, lost, drowning, thinking, growing, strong, independent, boss bitch, liberation, and happiness.

The shoot felt liberating and I am very happy with the end result and feel privileged to be part of this project.

@marishagaskell

PROJECT INSTGRAM:
Follow to see full shoots and images 

@o_c_c_u_p_a_n_c_y

OCCUPANCY 

@jasminejademelrose
Photographer and project creator