“Silence is Golden” is a common proverb that people understand implicitly. It is used to say that it is often better to remain silent than to speak.

This series examines the complex role of silence—what we are taught as children (children are to be seen and not heard) as well as its capacity to harm. In particular, I focus on the silences imposed on women, born of misogyny and culture that demands compliance and complicity. These silences instruct us to police our tone, dilute our rage, and suppress our truths. Society insists that we shrink ourselves to fit the comfort of others, forcing us to carry the weight of unspoken pain and unseen injustices.

The woman in this portrait lives in the Dharavi Slums in Mumbai, India. Prejudice defines their lives, particularly in the rural areas, where nearly three-quarters of India 's people live.

This woman is many things – kind, compassionate, loving...welcoming strangers into her home to give them insight into what her life is. Her life is not easy, but she is beautiful and kind. Her face opens up as if it is lit with a soft light from within. I loved spending time with her – and felt like I was welcome to stay as long as I wanted.