Rarely does a week go by in our country without countless lives lost to gun violence. Gun violence has become so common in our nation that it is easy to become desensitized to this issue. According to the Pew Research Center, the latest number of annual gun-related deaths in the country reached 45,222 in 2020. This numbing number continues to climb each year.
With each death, there is more than one life destroyed. The lives of parents, siblings, friends, and other loved ones are left shattered.
The Souls Shot Portrait Project sponsored by the Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies, on display in the McNichol Art Gallery through March 30th, is an eye-opening exhibit that captures the unique identity of each “soul shot” through intimate portraits that bring awareness to the ongoing crisis of gun violence.
This exhibit hit home for Sophomore Mekhylah Jefferson in the worst way. While visiting the exhibit, Jefferson saw the portrait of her childhood friend Kailin ‘KJ’ Johnson, who was shot and killed while stopped at a red light in Philadelphia.
Jefferson described Johnson as a respectful and humble friend who loved to play all types of sports. Johnson was only 17 years old and had just received his driver's license. This is another tragic example of how gun violence is especially affecting the youth in our communities.
In fact, two current students at Neumann University have lost immediate family members to gun violence this semester.
Although the artists who create these portraits have never met the victims, they spend time with the victims' loved ones to hear stories, look at photos, and learn the details that made that person special. From these experiences, the artists beautifully represent each life in the best light.
The Souls Shot Portrait Project is rooted in strong values that focus on respect for the lives of the victims, the impactful power of art, diversity in representation, and a commitment to the highest quality of work.
Each portrait is a heartfelt tribute to the victim's life and helps keep their memory alive. Taking the time to view this exhibit helps recognize how much we lose to gun violence and inspires viewers to take action to work towards a community free of senseless gun violence.
Nursing professor Liz Loeper who tragically lost her 22-year-old son to gun violence 16 years ago, helped bring the exhibit to Neumann. “The Souls Shot portraits are compelling; the art transcends the numbers and connects us to seeing the uniqueness of these souls that we have lost,” says Loeper.
This exhibit is not to be missed and professors are encouraged to find ways to incorporate it into their courses. The exhibit is open daily Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In the words of professor Loeper, “A beautiful soul is never forgotten.”
