Of Course This Hurts

In a compelling new exhibit titled "Of Course This Hurts," Vancouver photojournalist Jackie Dives offers a raw and emotional portrayal of the overdose crisis that has devastated the Downtown Eastside (DTES). Opening on March 16, the exhibit aims to shed light on the heartbreaking realities faced by individuals and families grappling with addiction and loss.

Conveying the Crisis

Dives, who has dedicated over a decade to photographing the DTES, seeks to convey the depth of this crisis, which has led to more than 49,100 deaths since Canada declared it a public health emergency in 2016. "The images are the explanation. It's not about words; it's about imagery," she asserts. Through her lens, Dives captures the urgency and pain of this ongoing tragedy, drawing parallels to the neglect experienced during the AIDS epidemic.

Stories of Love and Grief

The storytelling in her images transcends simple depictions of addiction; it reveals stories steeped in "unconditional love, self-sacrifice, perpetual grief," and the harsh realities that arise when societal ideals overshadow human dignity. Dives emphasizes the importance of building trust within the community, often spending months forming relationships with those she photographs, which leads to more intimate and authentic representations of their experiences.

A Personal Connection to the Crisis

Traci Letts, a subject in Dives' exhibit, poignantly illustrates the emotional toll of the crisis. In an unfortunate turn of events, Letts' son, Mike, who was just 31, died from an accidental overdose shortly before a planned photoshoot. Dives recalls the moment she approached Letts: "She allowed me in on the worst day of her life." This powerful image—featuring Letts selecting clothing for her son’s cremation—serves as a painful testament to the sorrow endured by many families.

Portraits of Resilience

Additionally, Dives’ work includes portraits of individuals such as Jeremy Kalicum, a scientist facing severe legal repercussions for operating compassion clubs, and Trey Helten, an overdose prevention site worker whose unwavering dedication to the DTES community exemplifies hope amidst despair. Dives also brings her personal connection to the crisis into her art; she lost her father to overdose in 2017, which ignited her fervor for documenting this ongoing emergency. "It became essential to create in order to grieve and to survive that grief," she reflects.

Creating a Historical Record

While Dives remains uncertain if her photographs will influence government policy, she feels they are crucial in creating a historical record of the lives affected by the crisis. "This exhibition is a record of people preserving despite the government giving up on them," she asserts. Her hope is to bring acknowledgment and solidarity to those suffering.

A Love Letter to the Community

Dives prefers to shift the focus away from herself, choosing to celebrate the resilience of the individuals she photographs. "This is my love letter to the community. I want them to know that I see them doing the work against all odds. That I love them," she shares.

A Call to Bear Witness

As the overdose crisis continues to cast a long shadow over countless lives, Dives’ work serves not only as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for empathy and action, but also as a call to bear witness to the humanity of those often overlooked in society. By transforming grief into art, she creates a compelling visual narrative that demands attention and reflection.