Are You Next To An Angel

This image is from a series of images called Are You Next To An Angel? The premise of the project is that we are all so insulated from each other now, through our mobile phones that we don't notice the wonderful people around us. We withdraw into a bubble of social media and technology rather than talking to each other on a granular level. There are so many people within our society who are doing really incredible, kind things in their lives. From doctors, nurses, carers, teachers, charity workers, the list goes on. We don't know that on the train, in the supermarket, everyday we pass by angels. As a society we celebrate and aspire to be influencers, celebrities, young, glamorous people. Why do we not celebrate the fabric of any society, those that care, nurture, tend and fight for us to have better more meaningful lives. The people who are empathetic and selfless. Those who help others, quietly, without fanfare because they want to nurture humanity. I work within a charity called The Marylebone Project in London. We look after women who are homeless or suffering a period of real crisis. This can include abuse, trafficking, domestic violence and mental health issues. The work is very challenging and the staff within the charity could earn more and have easier lives in almost any other area. They choose to work within the charity because they know that the work matters, the contribution they bring changes lives for the better. The help and support they provide to the women is long lasting and transformative, not just to the women but to their families and communities too. The staff are angels. I took them out into the streets of London wearing giant angel wings and photographed the reaction of the general public, in shops, on the street, travelling to work, all everyday situations. Nobody noticed. They were two busy scrolling, immersed in a bubble of their own making. Nobody noticed that they were next to an angel.