The Mütter Museum recently unveiled a new exhibit that strives to create a clearer understanding of the homelessness crisis in Philadelphia through the power of art and information, writes Rita Giordano for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

The exhibit titled, “Unhoused: Personal Stories and Public Health” is the work of Toronto-based photographer Leah den Bok and Dallas-based artist Willie Baronet with science and research expertise of Rene Najera, public health chair of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, and Rosie Frasso, a College Fellow and educator whose students also contributed to the exhibit. 

“It explores the difficult truth that simply being without a home is a dangerous health condition,” said Mütter director Kate Quinn.

The new exhibit features about 40 black-and-white photographs taken by den Bok. They feature men, women, and children who were experiencing homelessness in the United States and several other countries.

It serves as an example of what can be done to address societal issues.

“Awareness is one of the things we can do. Advocacy is another one that we can do. And then most of all, compassion, humanizing people who are going through this situation so that we see ourselves in them,” said Najera.

The exhibit will run through Aug. 5, 2024. 

Read more about why “Unhoused” is more than just a photo exhibit at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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