Rachel Piper
The Challenges of Longevity
So we go from the first 24 hours of life to the twilight years…. these images of elderly people in a retirement home are by Rachel Piper, a young photographer currently studying at University of Middlesex. The judges chose three of her portraits for Portrait Salon 2014.
Rachel says this about her project:
“What would you do if you had lost the people or person that loved you, the family members
that meant most to you and the ones that have been through everything with you, offering
support and kindness to help you grow. What do you do once they are gone?”
“It is believed that we only grow up and mature when neither of our parents is alive, so
because of this I have concentrated on the fragility and sensitivity of the elderly. From details
to portraits, I have captured their personalities and individual characteristics, allowing myself
to appreciate their company before it becomes a distant memory.”
“I realise that not only can obstacles interfere with us in life, but also as I am getting older my
close family members will not always be around and therefore I need to treasure every
possible moment.”
More of Rachel’s work can be seen on her website
Carole Evans