Behold the man

‘Behold the Man’ is a social photographic art project. An exploration of mind, body and soul through a two-year collaboration with Alan Dainton, a homeless beggar battling addiction.

The images, interviews and videos that Marksteen made with Alan were brought together to create a limited edition book and an exhibition. The objective of the project was to create awareness around the topic of addiction and homelessness, whilst exploring the nature of charitable giving.

"If my story helps just one kid stay off drugs, it would still have been worth it."

Alan Dainton

Through the lens – Documenting addiction, Cheltenham Literature Festival – 2014

‘Behold the Man’ Marksteen interview on Premier Radio

BEHOLD THE MAN
The book £9.99 + P&P
The book is a story about homelessness and addiction. It’s an exploration around compassion, how and why we choose to give and the dilemmas we face when confronted with situations that seem hopeless.

Buy the book

Foundation behold the man book

BEHOLD THE MAN
The book £9.99 + P&P
The book is a story about homelessness and addiction. It’s an exploration around compassion, how and why we choose to give and the dilemmas we face when confronted with situations that seem hopeless.

Buy the book

The exhibition ‘Behold The Man’ was launched at The Wilson – Cheltenham’s museum and art gallery. Visitors were invited to contemplate three huge portraits of Alan, displayed in a triptych, each representing a different state of mind. A documentary video showed scenes from Alan’s daily life, adding depth to his story.

Group 203
Group 204
Group 205

See full case study

Visitors had the opportunity to help Alan and those in similar situations by purchasing the supporting book, posters and postcards. The money spent was converted into gold plastic coins which could be used to vote on three charitable option.

- Sustenation:
Proceeds would be given directly to Alan.
- Intervention:
Would go towards one year’s rehabilitation for Alan 
or someone similar.
- Prevention:

Would fund projects concerned with youth at risk or in recovery 
from drugs and alcohol.

ALAN UPDATE IMAGE

Not long after the book launch and exhibition had taken place, Marksteen caught up with Alan. He now had residential lodgings at the local YMCA and was no longer using heroin, having voluntarily moved onto a methodone prescription.

The new world he is coming back into is unknown, strange, and profoundly overwhelming. He’s going to need a lot of support, coaching, and above all, unconditional love. He’s making the change, now he needs to grow and only then will he be able to live again.

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