Many think slavery ended with the demise of the trans-Atlantic trade, but sadly, that’s far from true. An estimated 36 million live without dignity or rights and although slavery is illegal
in every country, it continues to persist in allas a crime against humanity. Lisa Kristine’s indelible images seek to unify humanity and inform the viewer of the tangible humanness of
individuals enslaved today.
Lisa was invited to the Vatican as a witness to the signing of the Declaration to Eradicate Modern Day Slavery by 2020. When Pope Francis gathered twenty-five of the world’s distinguished
faith leaders the message was clear slavery is not a political issue it is a crime against humanity, against all people. Her journey sheds light on the need for a global shift from dependence
on slave labor, to fair trade labor systems available and active in many parts of the world today. It is not simply a story about slavery, but liberation. In order to create change, we must
first visualize what is required to free those enslaved today.
Mud and Lotus focuses on inspiring us to engage in the reality of slavery to make us aware of the depth of its reach and insist we begin to look for solutions across faiths,
communities, and the world. The call is for a renewed commitment to cooperate and to empower those enslaved to be seen.
