Society advances at the pace of its weakest members.
In Brussels, the capital of Europe, 28% of the population lived at risk of poverty in 2010. Six years later, that figure rose to 31%. This is huge.
All studies confirm it: poverty primarily affects the most vulnerable — women, children, the elderly, and isolated individuals.
We wanted to meet women affected by poverty. We asked each of them what was dear to their hearts. What do they dream of? What still holds value when one lacks basic necessities? Children, memories of a parent, a pet, an object worth nothing but meaningful to the heart, an empty bag, a symbol. That is their luxury.
Thanks to Maria, Annick, Nathalie, Svetlana, Kaouthar, Dorothée, Philomène, Wendy, Ana Maria, Rachel, Habiba, Jessica, Patricia, Constance, Elisabeth, Fatiha, Ajsche, Widad, Mbayang, Louise, Christiane — so many shared moments around what truly matters.
A project presented as a travelling exhibition featuring about twenty diptychs accompanied by texts.
Texts: Céline Gautier
Photos: Christophe Smets
