Guest Feature: Two Curious Giants
“When I look at this photograph, I am but a tiny man, and I’m looking up at two curious giants. It’s a precious metaphor that makes me wonder what this world might be like if run by children.”
Today on Children of Vision we have an honorary guest from the world of art and culture - Michal Iwanowski.
Michal is an international artist who combines documentary photography tradition with a conceptual approach, enriched by his experience of many cultures. Born in Poland and based in Wales, he has received recognition for his work worldwide, with numerous exhibitions, prestigious residencies, awards and publications. He also works with young people, helping them understand and learn the skills of photography, videomaking, animation, music, and writing at Media Academy Cardiff, Wales.
Michal chose this photo by Lara, 7, Spain. Here is why this playful photo spoke to him:
Photo by Lara @laragia.foto, 7, Spain, submitted to the Children of Vision Instagram Project.
“I chose Lara’s image because it demonstrates, in the most playful and efficient way, the greatest power of photography, which is the power to turn the world upside down without much physical effort; the power to show a different perspective, which we often ignore.
Lara’s chosen to place her camera very low and to point it upwards, and in doing so she reversed the distribution of power: she and her friend are the bosses, while we, the audience, are the subjects. When I look at this photograph, I am but a tiny man, and I’m looking up at two curious giants. It’s a precious metaphor that makes me wonder what this world might be like if run by children. The future, after all, belongs to them.
It’s a brilliant photo, Lara. Thank you for sharing it with us.”