Josh Haner, American, born late 20th century
A Kiribati climate refugee staring at the sea, 2016
Josh Haner, a photographer who travels the world capturing human struggles, described the story of the man photographed. In it, he discussed how Kaitara Kautu lost his home due to a king tide, so he is having to move him and his daughter in with other family members in hopes he can still provide her with the culture and values of his beloved homeland. This photograph, along with others like it, shows the struggle that millions of people are currently facing. The subject is stranded physically and possibly emotionally as well, as portrayed by his downward-facing gaze. The dark clouds looming in the background further create a sense of fear, foreshadowing how more communities will be impacted by climate change. Label by Lindsey Smith