Description
"AMONG THE STARS" - From Red Carpets to the Sidewalks:
In the Shadows, the unseen and untold stories of Hollywood's homeless
All net proceeds will be donated to homeless humans and homeless pets.
In the heart of Hollywood, where dreams are both born and shattered, renowned visual artist, Dellamarie Parrilli, expands her creative horizons with the release of her latest work, "Among The Stars," published by BookBaby. "Among The Stars" is a compelling book of photographs, a visual journey that delves into the lives of the Hollywood homeless with unparalleled empathy and insight as it boldly reveals the juxtaposition of Hollywood's glitz and the stark reality of homelessness.
"Among The Stars" offers an intimate portrayal of life on the streets of Hollywood, captured through the lens of Parrilli's iPhone during her three-year isolation in the Covid-19 pandemic. From her vantage point six stories above the iconic intersection of Hollywood and Vine, Parrilli documents the daily lives of the homeless, contrasting the facade of fame with the gritty reality beneath.
In the forward to "Among The Stars," Parrilli reflects on her experience:
"What the eye doesn't see, the heart cannot feel. As a visual artist, I trust that through my 'eyes' others may see. I believe we all deserve to be seen and heard, even when the cry of desperation is silent. The pandemic gave new meaning to a 'room with a view.' From my sixth-floor loft, I watched fame, fortune, and the forgotten in the shadows among the stars. Against all odds, these photographs, taken over three years during my Covid isolation, were shot with my iPhone, from above and across, through 100-year-old wavy, dirty windows. I captured the resilient faces and untold narratives, visceral portraits of those among the stars."
Parrilli captures the progression of her 'companions' and their evolving stories - Fashion Guy, Shreddy, Mannequin Gal, Professor, Umbrella Guys, and many others. As if watching a silent movie, each photograph reveals a new chapter in their lives, their daily struggles, moments of joy, the silent perseverance, all creating a stunning visual narrative that speaks volumes without uttering a single word.
"Among The Stars" invites you to walk in the shoes of those on the streets of Hollywood, to witness their trials and triumphs through Parrilli's lens. Imagine your own life laid bare, every intimate moment and hardship exposed to the world. Contemplate the weight of being seen yet ignored, existing on the fringes of society's vision, like the discarded refuse on the sidewalks.
Parrilli asks, "Are we not all part of the walking wounded - physically, emotionally, mentally? Each a spiritual being having a human experience? Must we get lost to find our way? This is not a book about homelessness; it is an exploration of the strength, resilience, and dignity that persist despite the adversities faced by those living on the streets of Hollywood. Through these narratives we begin to understand the shared thread of our humanity connecting us all."
Parrilli's empathetic eye brings to light and captures not merely the people and faces, but the essence of human resilience and the enduring flickers of hope. "Among The Stars" is not merely a book to be read; it is an experience to be felt, a call to action that cannot be ignored.
Poised to make a profound impact on the hearts and emotions of its readers, "Among The Stars" has been described as "stunning," "jaw-dropping," and a book that "leaves you speechless."