Do you remember the footage of an Indonesian toddler smoking? I reckon it was the inspiration behind these Frieke Janssens portraits. It’s a conclusion I reached not as a result of my mediocre intellect, but because I watched her accompanying video (which I’ve included at the end of this post).
I’ve been thinking a lot about smoking recently. No, I don’t want to take up the habit, but because it has been featured in so many fashion editorials of late. Durrie munchers were vilified when I was growing up and now it appears to be de rigueur. No judgement. Just an observation.
Back to Frieke’s work. I think these pics are astonishing. I love the way she’s juxtaposed innocence against adult themes. The smoke, the cigarettes, the amusing stogie. It’s the styling and poses, however, that really cement the effect, don’t you think?
More pics and info here.
More photography here and here.
Images courtesy of Frieke Janssens.
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Wow, these are something rather different… Is it wrong to say beautiful?! So wrong, but then it so works… Xx
Hi Anna,
I completely agree with you. Obviously the kids aren’t actually smoking, and the images are so arresting.
Thanks for stopping by.
Kate
xx
I have to say that I dont like the idea of making children look like adults, not even for art’s sake.
It’s an interesting point, Ana, but I remember playing lots of dress-up when I was kid, particularly trying on my mum and grandmother’s old clothes, shoes and jewellery. It was great fun. In this pics, I’m more worried about the passive smoke…
Wow, really dramatic interesting images. I feel like smoking’s become a lot less socially acceptable – especially since the ban. And being a medical student, we kind of judge each other for doing it! I hope being healthy continues to be ‘cool’!
fascinating concept slightly reminds me of Bugsy Malone.
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But it’s not so beautiful, striking or out of the ordinary when it’s played out in real life: by the age of 15, 1 in 8 kids have become regular smokers. And 8 out of 10 smokers started when they’re under 19.
And they’re clearly attracted by tobacco branding, which is why it’s time to introduce plain packages: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_z-4S8iicc
So all in all, I’m very much not a fan.