If you can read the ocean you will never be lost - Shannon Benine's Visual Art Portfolio

If you can read the ocean you will never be lost, 2014—ongoing

This ongoing photographic project examines the historical and contemporary experiences of individuals affected by Hansen's disease (leprosy) on the remote Kalaupapa Peninsula in Hawai'i. From 1866 to 1969, individuals diagnosed with leprosy were forcibly exiled to Kalaupapa, a settlement on the north shore of Molokai.

Through a combination of photography, video, and archival research, I explore the social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of this complex history. Collaborating with current and former residents of Kalaupapa, I seek to honor their stories and challenge the prevailing narratives of isolation and despair.

The project aims to provide a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the Kalaupapa experience, acknowledging the resilience and strength of the community while addressing the historical injustices they have endured.