Steeped in purpose and humanity, Eugene Richards photographs at 401 Projects documents abuse and lawless behavior toward the mentally disabled around the globe.
This "real time" body of work by Richards is a collaboration between the organization MDRI (Mental Disability Rights International) and masterfully brings awareness to an incomprehensible and desperate world that, in one way or another, effects us all. MDRI and Richards have successfully worked to reform policy and reverse many of the injustices that are documented in this series.
These black and white photographs are meticulously composed, evoking a polarity of "beautiful pain" that could only be inspired by extra-ordinary documentary photography and Richards is the master of this world. While his patient eye waits for all elements to align as they typically do, the results are daunting and memorable and we are once again reminded of the power of his work and the significance of his journey.
-Mark Seliger