When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, I would accompany her during each session of chemotherapy. I photographed her while undergoing her treatment. The camera offered me both an opportunity to experience and support my mother in the process. 

I stored these images away for years, it was too painful and served as a reminder of my mother’s sickness.

My research has led me to viewing the camera as a tool of empowerment. I questioned if the images would empower my mother, me, or anyone else. 

Does this empower anyone? consists of a video where my mother sees the images for the first time, and a selection of photographs, first chosen by me and then chosen by her, with her selection being vastly different from mine. 

Exploring new ways of empowering the participants within my works has led to the utilisation of collaboration as form of empowerment.