I have recently started taking a Documentary Photography class at Ryerson. A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of meeting Jaret Belliveau, a Canadian photographer who grew up on the east coast. Perhaps his most acclaimed body of work to date, Familial Endurance, documents the battle, and ultimate loss, of Belliveau’s mother. More from Belliveau’s statement.
This body of work began as an attempt to clarify and understand the internal workings of family. I began by photographing my family in the places in which they spend time. Ten months into this exploration, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Familial Endurance describes the personal challenges that each family member address’s throughout this situation.
What appears to be a project undertaken solely for the purpose of healing quickly redirects itself into a declaration of love and acceptance. This “familial” trauma is carefully handled, resulting in photographs that are as sensitive as they are dignified.
All Images © Jaret Belliveau
