Brian McCarty's War Toys

Artist Brian McCarty uses toys to illustrate children's descriptions of war they have witnessed. The descriptions come from humanitarian organizations that work with children in war zones, former war zones, and refugee camps. Therapists using expressive art therapy help the children communicate their experiences. From the artist's statement:

Toy-surrogates are placed and posed in accordance to the children’s descriptions, integrated through forced perspective into the actual locations where described events occurred. Commentary is given on socioeconomic conditions through the use of locally acquired toys, seen against the conditions in which these children live. When possible and under the guidance of specialists, I invite the children to actively participate and use the photographic process as a form of therapeutic play. The resulting photographs provide an interpretive document of witnessed events and context for the children’s accounts.

The collection of photographs and the project behind it is called WAR-TOYS. At the site, you can go to the section labeled Work to read more about each of the places where children gave their input. There you'll see that it's an ongoing project, with future destinations in the works. -via Flavorwire


Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Brian McCarty's War Toys"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More