A giant sculpture was unveiled in Birmingham to create awareness of the campaign to highlight the plight of the homeless this winter.
The 14ft and 2.5 tonnes sculpture, called ‘Homelessness Can’t Be Ignored’ and highlighted a homeless person called Alex, was commissioned by the charity Crisis - which is running the campaign - is displayed outside St Martin in the Bull Ring and shows a homeless person
Produced by Sophie de Oliveira Barata, she says that it took 10 weeks to craft, with special facial mapping technology used to create the face of the model. “I’ve been incredibly privileged to work with Crisis to bring this sculpture to life”, she said.
“It’s been a fascinating process harnessing artificial intelligence to create a face that represents homelessness, a problem that all too many of us ignore and struggle to engage with. I sincerely hope it makes the desired impact and stops everyone in their tracks, so they have no choice but to reflect on the issue and hopefully support this wonderful charity.”
The sculpture’s incredibly realistic facial features – brought to life via computer technology and using the profiles of seventeen people facing homelessness who have been supported by Crisis – were created to further reinforce the humanity in people experiencing one of the most brutal forms of homelessness – rough sleeping. It was initially displayed in London at King’s Cross Station where actors Jonathan Pryce and Imelda Staunton (stars of the Netflix series The Crown) – both ambassadors for Crisis – were present when the sculpture was installed.
Matt Downie, chief executive at Crisis, said: “300,000 households face homeless next year if the UK government doesn’t change its course. It’s that simple.
“As a country, we are going through a difficult time, but we can’t ignore the mounting pressure that is building on low-income households as they struggle under the weight of price rises, they cannot afford. We need to remember homelessness is solvable and can be ended for good through sensible policy changes and a good-hearted political agenda.
“Let’s keep reminding Westminster of this, because by standing together this Christmas, we can achieve great things.” With people experiencing homelessness being ignored every day, Alex is testament to the hundreds of thousands of people experiencing the worst kinds of homelessness ever - sleeping on the streets, sofa surfing and living in temporary accommodation is now more prevalent than ever before, as the cost of living crisis really bites.
‘Homelessness Can’t Be Ignored’ is on display until Sunday December 11.
