Another Day in Paradise
Exhibited at: British Academy Summer Showcase 2024
What does a day look like for someone experiencing homelessness? It often involves searching for a safe place to rest, finding food, or connecting with others who understand their situation.
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Beneath these daily struggles is a deeper battle with feelings of uncertainty, isolation, and emotional highs and lows—sadness, shame, regret, and despair. Life without stability is a relentless challenge, reminding us of the resilience required to survive and the importance of compassion in creating solutions.
Another Day in Paradise?
A public engagement exhibition of homelessness in London
Dr. Melissa Jogie, winner of the British Academy Innovation Fellowship Footprints in Sutton (2022), collaborated with Sutton Night Watch to explore the lived experiences of homeless individuals. By combining GPS tracking and walking interviews, the research revealed the emotional struggles and practical challenges faced by 10 participants, aiming to reshape public perceptions and inform policies to support inclusion and safety.
As part of this project, artist Kryssygold was commissioned to create a 3D board simulation. This interactive model brings the research findings to life, immersing viewers in the daily choices and hardships of homelessness. The artwork, inspired by the game Dungeons & Dragons and designed to evoke empathy and reflection, is showcased below. ​
"Another Day in Paradise" presents a striking diorama that delves into the complex realities of homelessness in the Sutton area, informed by Roehampton University's in-depth research. This artwork functions as an empathy game, inviting participants to roleplay the challenging scenarios faced by homeless individuals, much like a Dungeons & Dragons experience. The game highlights the relentless burden of choices that define their daily lives, urging viewers to engage with the emotional and physical struggles that often go unnoticed.
The piece features exaggeratedly large fences, symbolizing the towering barriers and restrictions that isolate the homeless from society and essential services. Seasonal changes are reflected through contrasting colors, conveying the fluctuating emotional states from the warmth of community to the coldness of exclusion.​​
Homeless figures are depicted as significantly larger than the surrounding cityscape, representing the immense challenges they face in trying to fit into societal structures. Interestingly, the only place where these figures can somewhat fit is the central element— a charity building representing Sutton Night Watch, an organization with which the research team collaborated. However, even here, these figures would need to deform themselves to squeeze through the door, symbolizing the immense effort required to access help. The artwork poignantly illustrates that support is not readily available; instead, those in need must actively seek it out, often bending themselves to fit into the limited spaces provided.
This work also emphasizes the stark reality that, despite their significant presence, these figures find it difficult to access shelters or services, further highlighting the systemic challenges in providing adequate support. The strategic placement of the hospital entrance beside the police station underscores the often bureaucratic and law-enforced nature of seeking assistance, linking healthcare with policing in a way that complicates the already arduous journey for help.
Through "Another Day in Paradise," the artist challenges viewers to reflect on the societal structures that contribute to homelessness and to consider the significant, often unseen efforts required by those seeking a place of refuge.
This work also emphasizes the stark reality that, despite their significant presence, these figures find it difficult to access shelters or services, further highlighting the systemic challenges in providing adequate support. The strategic placement of the hospital entrance beside the police station underscores the often bureaucratic and law-enforced nature of seeking assistance, linking healthcare with policing in a way that complicates the already arduous journey for help.
The artwork above is commissioned by Dr. Melissa Jogie, winner of the British Academy Innovation Fellowship Footprints in Sutton (2022)
​Learn more about the fellowship on Melissa Jogie’s website.​
