The Project:
The project supplied children with reloadable point and shoot cameras. Participants then collectively chose to make photographs reflecting the visual theme “My Village Life”. Basic photography workshops and critique sessions provided a platform for self-expression and communication, as well as allowing children an opportunity to document their own lives through their own eyes. The project aimed to bring participants together, develop friendships and support networks. The Shanghai Exhibition and print sales will be held throughout September at Boonna 3 Cafe on 1690 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Wuxing Lu. ( 淮海中路 1690 ) Tel: 6433-0835. A a local exhibit in Liangshan is also planned to display the children’s work.
The Images:
The images provide a unique insight into the life of the children. None of the children had ever held a camera before and all created wonderfully compelling, telling images.
Background & Inspiration:
After working on a personal photographic documentary project in the Sichuan, high numbers of orphans in the area quickly became apparent. Most live in incredibly deprived conditions often in the care of elderly grandparents who struggle to support them.
The Malafi Photo Initiative is a small-scale project working with a specific group of fourteen children. The project is not a charity; simply a localised fundraiser to help make a few young lives a little easier and provide a creative, educational experience.
The project was initially inspired by a fourteen year old boy named Malafi. A young and talented student who had lost both parents with no main caregiver, Malafi lived in dormitories during the school year but survived on handouts from local villagers during holidays. Moved by his situation, I asked my young nieces and nephews back in England to donate a little Christmas money to buy a good winter jacket and shoes to support Malafi through the bitter mountain winter. My nieces and nephews donated so generously that other family and friends were also inspired to contribute. With the small but substantial sum I received, I intended to set up a small trust fund for Malafi to support him during holiday times and for further education. However, Malafi sadly disappeared without a trace before this could even be set up. After consultation with local volunteers at a local NGO, it was decided that the monies raised could still be used effectively with a focus on a wider outreach incorporating community building and educational experiences for the children. It was then decided that a “Kids-with-Cameras” type project would be developed, promoting active participation, creative expression, self-confidence and most importantly friendship and fun!
Sponsors:
PX2 Studio kindly sponsors our exhibition printing and framing costs.
Boona 3 Café will kindly sponsor our exhibition venue.