The artist’ book Monica Nouwens: Fran demonstrates a profound internal confidence that Nouwens’ work can contribute to the well-being of others. There is a raw emotional intimacy captured in her photographs that speaks to the depth of communication captured in the moment, an encounter that clearly extends beyond the photographic frame to encompass relationships the artist has nurtured in many cases for years. Her practice, rooted in activism, is also engaged, and fundamentally collaborative. The joy in what Monica Nouwens does is palpable, infectious.