February 11 – April 30, 2023
Indira, 7, Kathmandu, Nepal
In this series of beautiful and thought-provoking photographs of children and their sleeping spaces from around the world, photographer James Mollison documents young people in different countries and circumstances. Each studio-style portrait of a child is accompanied by a detailed study of their “bedroom,” ranging from large, decorated rooms to the barest spaces set aside for sleep. The photographs and stories examine childhood, family, cultural identity, hope, doubt, comfort, and inequity.
Mollison explores universal themes and considers our commonalities and differences, addressing economic inequality and the role of possessions and shelter in our lives. Interested in rendering children within their own spaces, Mollison shares his work with potential subjects, noting the universality of curiosity. “Wherever I am, I discover that children are often enthralled to see how other children live around the world.”
Risa, 15, Kyoto, Japan
Interested in human, social, and environmental subjects, photographer James Mollison (born 1973, British, active in Italy) has published five books of photography. Where Children Sleep, first published in 2010, has a new 2022 edition. Following his interest in the world of childhood, Molliston published Playground in 2015, which examines recess and considers the environments in which children learn and play. His other books are James and Other Apes, The Memory of Pablo Escobar, and The Disciples.
Molliston studied Art and Design at Oxford Brookes University, followed by studies in film and photography at the Newport School of Art and Design. Living in Italy, he worked at Benetton’s creative lab, Fabrica, was the creative editor of Colors Magazine from 2011-2014. In 2009 he won the Royal Photographic Society’s Vic Odden Award for notable achievement in the art of photography by a British photographer aged 35 or under.
Where Children Sleep: Photographs by James Mollison is organized and circulated by Curatorial Assistance Traveling Exhibitions, Pasadena, California.
Justin, 8, New Jersey, USA