Lisa Hendrickson, in partnership with Broad Street Love, presents a collection of intimate portraits capturing the humanity of the “unhoused.” This exhibition, called “Unhoused & Unseen: Our Invisible Neighbors,” will be on view at the Da Vinci Art Alliance, 704 Catharine St., from Oct. 3-20. An opening reception will be held on Oct. 5 from 4-7 p.m.
Hendrickson’s work invites viewers to examine their compassion and connection to those experiencing scarcity, urging the Philadelphia community to advocate for affordable housing, reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals, substance abuse counseling, mental health support and immigration assistance. Central to the exhibition are one-on-one interviews she conducted with BSL guests, who shared their childhood memories, lived experiences and hidden talents. The bold portraits, which emphasize eye contact, closely cropped compositions and strong lighting, are displayed alongside guests’ stories to create an intimate, moving experience. The works incorporate unconventional materials like cardboard, newsprint, paper bags and cork, revealing the beauty in ordinary, often discarded objects. The exhibition also highlights the increasing legislation targeting the unhoused by criminalizing public sleeping or camping.
Hendrickson’s community volunteer work often informs her artwork, resulting in pieces that raise awareness about the societal issues of homelessness, gun violence and gender equality. Influenced by human expression and the physical process of creation, she mixes traditional oil painting techniques with textural mixed media materials to tell her subjects’ stories.
On Oct. 13, from noon to 2 p.m., families are invited to create origami hearts to pair with hat and glove donations. A closing reception and artist talk will be held Oct. 20 from noon to 2 p.m.
