
Third space displaces the histories that constitute it… [and] gives rise to something different, something new and unrecognizable, a new area of negotiation of meaning and representations (Bhabha, 1990).
Healing Streams has a photo exhibit entitle Third Space which represents a convergence of Congolese lived experience, the photographers point of view, and the viewer’s perception of the two. A third space, a new reality emerges as Congolese participants, the photographer, and the viewer interact.
The third space concept was developed to provide an alternative approach to cross-cultural dialogue. Two other approaches, the colonial mindset and the confessional attitude have both left a legacy of alienation, shame, and harm.
Colonial attitudes, view Congolese as “lesser” and “other” leading to oppression and alienation. Confessional approaches, where the westerner is apologetic about difference – lead to shame as the westerner fumbles around issues of difference in an attempt not to offiend. In contrast,third space diaglogue, takes place between equal contributers and allows a new reality, a new story to emerege (Bonnet, 1999, Woodrow & Schwartz, 2002).
The question I bring to this third space is in response to a statement by Alice Miller (2002),
For the human spirit is virtually indestructible, and its ability to rise from the ashes remains as long as the body draws breath.
Does Miller’s statement reflect reality? The photo exhibit is an initial attempt at a third space creative conversation. I invite you to join in the dialogue. The photo exhibit showing at the Centre for International Governance Innovation until June 3rd. It will be available for touring after June 15, 2009.
About the exhibit sponsor and creators:
Healing Streams responds to high needs and postwar environments by providing holistic, culturally-appropriate leadership and counsellor training in partnership with local organizations.
Hope & Healing: Congo
A post-trauma caregiver’s train-the-trainer seminar developed by Dawn Penner, Healing Streams Executive Director in response to a request from Congolese community development organization, Collective of Community Sensitization for Integrated Development (CSCODI). The workshop utilizes the existing skills of the Congolese caregivers, their expertise in their own culture, and provides opportunity to further develop their understanding and skills in post-trauma work. Over 300 participants have been trained in the Hope & Healing Seminar. Healing Streams operates internationally and has a long-term commitment to relationship and dialogue with the communities of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dawn Penner
Dawn Penner is a doctoral candidate in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto/OISE. Her research topic is Recovery from Cumulative War-trauma: The Congolese Refugee Experience. She is experimenting with arts-informed approaches to research. Dawn is the founder and executive director of Healing Streams, a non-profit charitable organization. She lives and works in Kitchener, Ontario with her husband Ross.
Michael Ben
Michael Ben is a chartered accountant in Waterloo, ON. Michael is a social entrepreneur who looks for opportunities to leverage his income and skills for social good. He and Brenda, also a Chartered Accountant, provide logistical support to the Hope & Healing: Congo team.
Karl Griffith-Fulton
Karl Griffith-Fulton is a professional photographer currently living in Kitchener Ontario. Karl graciously agreed to curate this exhibition for a group of amateur photographers. His published work includes In Canada – A Photo Journey Among Muslims, On The Edge, an Crann, an Carraig, and an Uisce.
Third Space Photo Exhibit
Sponsored by CIGI, Healing Streams
Produced by Karl Griffith-Fulton & Dawn Penner
Hope & Healing: Congo team members,
Dawn Penner, Ross Penner, Brenda Ben, Michael Ben