In 1979-1980 I
worked in Somalia in a large refugee camp where many children were dying
primarily from starvation. The prints censored by the Galveston President,
which led to the closing of this exhibit, were from the end of my time
in Somalia. I had severe burnout and was filled with anger over at what
I had witnessed and experienced. The paradox of the excess in the USA
and the absolute poverty in Somalia was incomprehensible. During the
months of work trying to feed starving people, we were frequently having
large amounts of food being stolen and taken out of our refugee camp.
The food would end up on the black market or was going to feed soldiers.
I was never thanked for what I was doing. The children were told that
we would cut off their penises so were needlessly afraid of the health
care workers.