SEEN: it’s bitter so bitter, that it becomes sweet

"Seen" is an art project embodying a socially poetic message, highlighting the often overlooked factions of society that are frequently labeled as 'marginal'. These are individuals living beyond the societal norms, unheard and unnoticed - the homeless, those struggling with addiction, and people with a criminal past. Many in society find interacting with these groups disconcerting, puzzling, or even perilous. The objective of this art piece is to unambiguously illustrate that these individuals, too, harbor feelings and unique life experiences. Their social standing, coupled with their experiences, offer them a unique vantage point for understanding the essence of poetry. By breaking down the barriers of existing stereotypes and paying heed to these individuals' narratives through their lens, we may come to realize that their interpretation of poetry can be profoundly different, potentially more genuine. The project aims to promote active listening, understanding, recognizing the often-concealed humanity in these groups, and breaking down the walls of societal prejudice. The screens involved in the project create a polyphonic visual interplay. During a live poetry reading, the main actor is accompanied by an avatar positioned behind them, acting as a guardian angel, reinforcing the message that they are not alone. As the poem concludes, the avatar aligns with the actor. Meanwhile, on other screens, avatars of additional actors attentively "listen" to the poem. Subsequently, the live version of the actor joins an avatar on a different screen, while avatars on other screens continue to 'listen' to the poem, maintaining the interplay's polyphony.