Jason Houge

Jason Houge (b. 1979; United States) uses photography to witness and document the events and experiences of a life lived today. He is best known for his social documentary photography, environmental portraiture and work with feral cats. His research draws from personal interests and past traumatic experiences to create compelling and haunting photographic stories within a broad range of topics including human rights, civil unrest, health care, hunger, music and the arts, scientific discovery and the environment. Early in his career, Houge was drawn to the idea of the “Concerned Photographer,” a genre of photography first described by Cornell Capa. However, in an effort to take this concept further, Houge developed an approach he calls Compassionate Photography to produce charged visual narratives from an empathic understanding of the people he photographs and the intersections they share with the environment, society and current political landscape.

What energizes you as you consider the future of the arts in Wisconsin?

The biggest thing that energizes me about the arts here in Wisconsin is how active and supportive the community is. In spite of the many roadblocks and challenges artists have faced in this state, Wisconsin Artists continue to be resilient voices making phenomenal and meaningful work. Museums and galleries are constantly working hard to overcome the challenges to find the resources needed to continue supporting and promoting the arts. Together as a community, the arts have endured and will continue to do so.

Where can we find your work?

You can find Jason’s work on his website: https://jasonhouge.art.