We Can Be Heroes
2025
Photographic mixed media collage layering my original photography with found photos and collected ephemera.
People are drawn to larger than life superheroes because they embody ideals of heroism, courage, and justice, offering a sense of inspiration, escapism, and the chance to imagine a world where good triumphs over evil in a time when comic book villains abound.
But what if the heroic ideals that heroes represent- such as strength, bravery, selflessness, and a strong moral compass are just regular people doing what is right and not anything particularly extraordinary? Just going about their lives making the next right choice in each moment?
What if the old lady who lives down the street is a superhero? Your Aunt? What if it's me? What if it's you?
We've all heard the phrase "not all heroes wear capes" but I'd argue that none of them do. The person who will save the world won't arrive in a musclebound latex suit or have any superhuman powers. She'll likely have messy hair, one bad knee and a headache, but she'll show up. She'll show up with her plain old human powers of empathy, patience and perseverance. And she might just look like someone you know.
Superhero stories provide a welcome escape from everyday reality, allowing us to imagine ourselves in extraordinary situations and with extraordinary abilities, but what if our extraordinary ability is just picking up the plastic bag blowing down the street? Making dinner? Returning the rogue shopping cart in the parking lot? Speaking up and speaking out for what is right? Superhero escapism can be particularly appealing during difficult times when we're all wishing someone would swoop in and save us. What if we're the ones we've been waiting for? What if each of us doing one small right thing each day is the heroic deed that saves the world?
Superheroes often face seemingly insurmountable challenges and emerge victorious, offering a message of hope and the belief that good can overcome evil. Their stories, OUR stories- can inspire all of us to persevere and to believe in our own potential to be a force for good in the world. We can be heroes. Just for one day.
