The photographs in this project were taken from 2011 to 2019 at four cat hoarders' homes in Ulster County, New York to be used as evidence in animal cruelty cases. However, my intention was to document these spaces as part of my artistic practice, which focuses on the relationship between self and environment. The project explores how surroundings both reflect and affect individuals and society at large. While these specific environments are shaped by mental illness, they are also examples of late capitalism's omnipresent influence with its emphasis on global production and overconsumption of inexpensive goods.

​

Hoarding is a mental health disorder characterized by compulsive stockpiling of household items such as food, clothing, furniture, electronics and various collectibles. A hoarder is unable to discard or part with any possession, including disposable materials and garbage. While this excessive accumulation makes everyday living difficult, cat hoarding settings are especially disturbing. Cat hoarders genuinely care about their cats but are simply unable to take care of them or clean up after them. Consequently, every surface in the house shows signs of neglect and extreme unsanitary conditions. Stains on the walls, endless clusters of flies and fresh cat food scattered on feces coated floors are typical.