Through Children’s Eyes Photographic Exhibition
Through Children’s Eyes is a photographic exhibition from ChildFund Australia which showcases a striking collection of photographs taken by children living in the Central and Gulf Provinces of Papua New Guinea, and children from rural communities in NSW and other eastern states of Australia.
Taken without creative direction or input from adults, the children have produced a series of colourful photographs that represent their world – friends, family, food, animals and their physical environment. The differences and similarities which can be seen between the worlds of Australian and Papuan children are striking.
ChildFund implemented this major community arts project as part of its commitment to better understand children’s views about their lives and daily experience. Children were provided with cameras, given basic photography training and invited to record images of their daily lives. The level of enthusiasm and enjoyment by the children has been overwhelming and the impact of the photos is profound.
A video montage of the project, the children and their communities will be shown alongside the photos as part of the exhibition, and further demonstrates the rich contrasts and diverse experiences between neighbouring children. The documentary was put together by multi-media producer Max Campbell, head of the media unit at the Central Gippsland College of TAFE in Victoria, and film maker Bao Waiko, a mixed race Australian/Papua New Guinean who lives in Port Moresby.
The children who participated in the project are aged between nine and 14 years. Children from PNG were put forward to take part in the project with the assistance of local school and community leaders, while in Australia, children of ChildFund Australia sponsors who sponsor a child in PNG were given the opportunity to participate.
Through Children’s Eyes is open to the public and free to attend.
Where: The Sydney International Cultural Centre, 72 Erskine Street, Sydney
When: Monday 12 May – Friday 23 May 2008
Gallery opening hours: Monday – Friday: 11am – 6pm, Saturday – Sunday: 11am – 3pm