Homogeneity is a Myth

Artist Statement

Homogeneity is a Myth was largely inspired by Cynthia Cockburn’s book The Space Between Us: Negotiating Gender and National Identity in Conflict. In this work, Cockburn explores how various groups of women have worked together across borders to see the humanity in each other during times of national conflict when the rhetoric of sameness is used to breed hostility.

In this venture I explore areas where identity-based conflict occurs daily. Dismissive language and behavior robs us of the richness that exists in the individual by reducing the totality of their being into a limited, preexisting story. Any group of people is just that—a group of people—each person with their own unique constructions and expressions of identities, hopes and dreams, perspectives, and lived experiences.

I’m not creating this work for any one particular audience. This is a visual manifestation of the exploration of things that keep me up at night. Additionally, it is a celebration of the people who trust me and this project enough to allow themselves to be vulnerable and intimate in order to ignite curiosity in others. My goal with this exhibition is to temporarily suspend judgment and invite you to catch a glimpse inside each individual. Thank you for being here and being curious. Thank you for giving yourself and others the rare gift of attention.

—Michael B. Maine

Creative Team:

• Creative Director / Photographer: Michael B. Maine
• Hair/Makeup: Juel Bergholm
• Lead Model: Victor Loo/Victoria Loo

Participate/Support

Thank you for taking the time to explore this project. I hope you liked it. This is still very much a work in progress, and if you'd like to participate and/or support, there are several ways you can do so. Below are a few ways to be involved:

Let me know what you think

I'd love to know what you think about this project. What were your thoughts, feelings, reflections? Let me know. You can email me or find me on Instagram or Twitter at @michaelbmaine.

Express your interest in participating

If you're in the Seattle area and would like to participate, click the button below and fill out the form. I'll be in touch as we schedule the next photo sessions.

Share with others

If you appreciate this project, one of the most helpful things you can do is to share this with others. Engage in the conversation by using #homogeneityisamyth on social media. This is very much a work in progress and I'm constantly updating the freely available PDF version of the preview book. View the latest version by clicking here.

See the exhibit in person

This exhibit is currently on display through the end of July at Impact Hub Seattle, located at 114 Alaskan Way South #504, Seattle, WA 98104. Impact Hub Seattle hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PST.

Sign up for updates

Stay informed on progress, events, appreciations, etc. by signing up to receive periodic updates. Click the button below and fill out the form.

Become a Patron

If you like this project and would like to help support it and others like it, please consider supporting me on Patreon. 100% of donations are applied to production and promotional costs, making it possible to continue this project and expand the reach. Patrons have the option to be listed among the list of supporters.