Photographer James Mollison had a idea for a book – with a title “Bedrooms” in his mind, he set out on a five year assignment crisscrossing the world and photographing kids where they live. He quickly discovered that every child’s situation didn’t match his own memory of his childhood bedroom. “I realised that my experience of having a ‘bedroom’ simply doesn’t apply to so many kids,” writes James in the book’s introduction.

Pairing children’s portraits with a picture of their living space creates a moving and often shocking result. I hope that these photographs encourage us all to be more aware of the major inequalities on our planet.

‘Where Children Sleep’ by James Mollison and published by Chris Boot can be purchased here.

[All images © James Mollison.]

p.s. This post was inspired by my last weekend’s visit to the World Press Photo 11 exhibition which was on show at The State Library (sadly now finished for the year). I’m not sure if I was feeling particularly fragile due to a slight hungover (oops!) but the News sections was so incredibly powerful that I was literally moved to tears several times. Yes, I was. Once I welled up because the image was just so beautiful. I know, I know, I’m a mega-gay-tragic crier! Anyway, the exhibition was honestly that good. If you missed it this time, make sure you get to it next year (in a city near you).

4 Responses

  1. Ezabelle

    Ouch. That tugged at the heart-strings. Children- the most vulnerable members of our societies, have a brutal way of reflecting the awful and awkward realities of their cultures. James photos ARE really confronting and shameful at the same time. I must confess though, the images of the little perked up American girl and Japanese girl (or is it Korean…? whatever she is) are both really annoying and really obnoxious. Good work James, and great delivery Dana!

    Reply
  2. Oliver @ Sabi Style

    Its the eyes that I find so haunting.

    On many of those kids they are windows to a soul that no longer belongs to a a young innocent child but rather a person that has seen the harsh reality of life.

    Reply

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