Marcus Journey: Missionary

Marcus Journey’s video installation is one part documentary and one part self-portrait. When Journey, a practicing Mormon, moved to Shreveport, Louisiana from the West, he felt out of place. During this time he met young Mormon missionaries who were also acclimating to the South. Sensing they were kindred spirits he became friends with many of the missionaries during their time in Louisiana. A friendship quickly turned into collaboration with Journey documenting these young men as they completed an important rite of passage in the Church of Latter-Day Saints. Then, as a critical foil, he spent time with a disillusioned non-practicing Mormon for whom the mission and Mormon lifestyle was not rewarding. Journey’s Mormon identity lies somewhere in between these two parts of himself. His faith is an important part of his life and he questions it to renew his convictions and evaluate his relationships with others.