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Photojournalist Madison Thorn Reveals the Grit and Courage Behind Her Newest Project “High Risk Humans,” a Photo Essay of Nashville’s Most Vulnerable During the Pandemic
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“We aren't expendable - we are your friends, your family,
members of your community and most importantly, we are humans.”
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NASHVILLE, TENN. – December 8, 2020 – Photographer Madison Thorn reveals her most personal work to date in the online series entitled, “High Risk Humans,” a passionate collection of black and white images depicting everyday Nashvillians with pre-existing, underlying conditions that put them at greater risk of developing serious complications if they contract COVID-19. “High Risk Humans,” an ongoing work which captures the emotional toll of this elevated vulnerability in the wake of this deadly pandemic, can be accessed at HighRiskHumans.com.
Shot and written by Thorn, the series profiles individuals in and around her East Nashville neighborhood. Telling their stories in their own words, she intuitively focuses on their strength and resilience, honoring these battle-tested warriors by listening to and sharing their hopes and fears for the present and future. As a Type-1 Diabetic, Thorn uniquely relates to her subjects as she too, shares their struggle of being deemed "high risk."
The idea for “High Risk Humans” came to her earlier this year when she saw a story on the local news that shook her to her core:
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“I was watching news coverage of protestors in Nashville who were angry about businesses being closed because of the pandemic,” Thorn recalls. “Someone was carrying a sign that read - SACRIFICE THE WEAK, RE-OPEN TN! I thought, Sacrifice the Weak?! They’re talking about me, but I'm not weak! I was shocked by the lack of empathy for one’s fellow man.”
She continues, “I knew tensions were running high, but I also knew I wasn’t expendable - we weren’t expendable. I became determined to remind people that we are your friends, your family, members of your community and most importantly, we are humans.”
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Thorn is committed to changing any perception of weakness associated with those who have pre-existing health conditions – common conditions like asthma, diabetes, lupus, chronic high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, cystic fibrosis, heart issues and more. People of all ages and backgrounds fall into these groups, largely through no fault of their own, and they are worthy of having their stories heard.
“When the pandemic first began, I felt tragically alone,” said Thorn. “Now, after months of capturing portraits of friends and new friends, I have come to realize that I am far from alone. Despite these terrifying times of isolation, I am relieved and grateful to discover that humanity is very much alive, intact and thriving.”
Twenty-four individuals are currently featured online as part of "High Risk Humans," and some 50 interviews have been conducted. The project plans to include additional voices, particularly people of color who are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. If you, or someone you know, are interested in having your story told, please visit https://forms.gle/iuHC394jdZy5kCLJ9.
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Selected stories from "High Risk Humans" are listed below. Media assets are available here.
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Mark
Occupation: Husband, Father, Professor, Artist Manager
Risk Factor: Chronic Hypertension
“Believe me…I want nothing more than to see and talk to friends, to go see live music, and just hang out with people as soon as possible. I love the energy of a group and of people enjoying themselves. But how could a person not take into consideration that someone may die if people get together in a large group or not take precautions to help stop the spread? That means they’re not considering that if I get this virus by someone being careless…and I die…that my daughter will not have a father. My wife won’t have a husband. It blows my mind. Now, it’s true that watching the thoughts and actions of the underbelly of society has taken its toll on my faith in people and society. I truly love people and it makes me sad that some of them don’t care or are indifferent to other people’s lives. However, my hope is that on the other side of this, all of us (especially me), will learn (and continue to learn) to be more empathetic, caring, and grateful.”
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LaJuanda
Occupation: Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Retired School Teacher, Viola and Violinist
Risk Factor: Over 65
“I am no stranger to adversity. At six years old, going into the 1st Grade, I was one of the first Black children to be integrated into a White school in Nashville. The year was 1957. Since then, I have watched the Civil Rights movement unfold, the protests for Vietnam…time and time again people have marched; but this movement feels different. With the whole world being on lock-down, we could not look away from the murder of George Floyd, maybe that’s a silver lining. We are not ‘throw away people’. My spiritual leader at my church is ‘High Risk’ and we depend on him heavily for guidance and stability. The congregation cannot afford to lose him; it would be utterly devastating for so many. Just because we are ‘older’ does not mean our lives are worth less or that our loss would not affect our community. Age and experience equals wisdom.”
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Caroline
Occupation: Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Retired School Teacher
Risk Factor: Undergoing chemotherapy due to breast cancer
“I’ve always loved life. Each day brings new opportunities and I just get so excited for them; life is such a gift. I used to walk 150 miles a month but the chemo has unfortunately taken all my energy. Even though I’m in my weakest state physically, I’ve found power in my faith. Nothing is in my control right now so I have to trust in God. The ‘Sacrifice The Weak’ sign hit me so hard; it broke my hope for humanity. The words on the sign alienated me into a subgroup of devalued humans. Understanding what it means to be ‘High Risk’ requires empathy and compassion but unfortunately, some people just have a cavalier way of thinking. They seem to forget that everyone will be ‘High Risk’ at some point in their lives, either because of a diagnosis or because they’re fortunate enough to reach a certain age. Those who align with ‘Sacrifice the Weak’ may be accustomed to instant gratification, resulting in acting out when they don’t get what they want. Delayed gratification requires self-discipline with uncomfortable and sacrificial modifications to our lives. Perhaps that is not comfortable for those people. However, the results may improve our lives if we can learn to adjust. As you age, you have to adjust your lifestyle because you can’t physically do the things you were once able to do. When you get married you make adjustments and modifications in your partnership. Retirement, a new job, having a baby, a diagnosis…they all require adjustments. Life is a series of adjustments and you just have to do it.”
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Alicia
Occupation: Daughter, Wife, Makeup Artist, Artis
Risk Factor: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Ulcerative Colitis
“I was working 14-hour days as a makeup artist on movie sets before the pandemic and I would constantly have to hide all of my ailments; like standing for that long with Ankylosing Spondylitis is just excruciating. I pushed myself so hard and never told anyone on set about my health problems because I was afraid of losing my job. But now, since the pandemic shut everything down, I have time to take care of myself. I was finally able to round up a team of doctors and we’ve made so much headway on my diagnoses. My body is my home, that’s ultimately all I own, and this pandemic has given me the opportunity to care for myself. As much as I loved my job, health and happiness is more important. I’m looking forward to my next career path.”
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Sean
Occupation: Son, Brother, Student, Chess and Minecraft enthusiast
Risk Factor: Lingering effects from being born premature
“When I grow up I’m going to be a police officer on Tuesdays, a ninja on Saturdays, and a marine biologist the rest of the time. A couple days ago I came up with an idea, I want to help nursing students. I’m gonna help them get their work done so there are more nurses. I’ll get them textbooks or tutors and I’ll help them finish their homework. There are so many people with Covid and we really need more nurses. I’m still working on the plan but I want to be a helpful kid and then a helpful adult.”
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Madison
Occupation: Sister, Photographer, Musician, Advocate
Risk Factor: Type 1 Diabetes
“I’m tired. I’m tired of not only Covid-19 threatening my life but of despicable people saying that my life is not worth anything. I haven’t fought this hard and for this long to suddenly be considered ‘expendable'. Wearing a mask should be thought of as an act of kindness and respect. You’re protecting yourself but you’re also protecting your fellow human. We have to shift our mindsets from a selfish one to one that cares of our neighbors as well. At this point in such a divided country, I feel like empathy is a super power, it’ s a simple ability but it’s hard to teach. If we choose to lead our actions with empathy, I truly believe we can change the world.”
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About Madison Thorn:
Madison Thorn is a third-generation photographer born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. While studying percussion in school, she began navigating the local music scene at a young age, primarily as a concert photographer which took her to prestigious symphony halls, derelict night clubs and every venue in between.
Her goal in photographing musicians has always been to capture their essence, highlighting what makes them human – a skill that she continued to hone when she moved to Nashville two years ago. Her latest project, "High Risk Humans," can be accessed here.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Chader, The Change Agent·cy
lisa.chader@thechangeagentcy.com
615-428-7223
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