Don’t view this as endorsement of kids smoking, tobacco or any of that shiznit. But these photos will make you look twice, guarenteed. Regardless of if it’s social, political or commercial, or otherwise, it’s very effective art. This is smart, powerful, horrible.
This photo series “The Beauty of an Ugly Addiction” is Photographer Frieke Janssens’ response to nicotine addiction and new smoking laws. She asks, “does this ban treat adults like children who can’t willfully decide whether or not to partake in this horribly harmful habit? What is it about smoking, aside from the obvious addictive content, that draws people in? Is it its image from film noir? Is it the appeal of its performative consumption, that mannerism or pose that seems to imbue a smoker with a particular sort of character?”
Can’t argue that you’ll stop and look. Tell me what you think in the comments. Then check out this sort of surreal behind the scenes video is here:
[via flavorpill, neatorama]
The kids used for the actual shoot may not be 2 years of age but those at the end of the video seemed very close. This is good and something I watched three times.
They are older than 2 years old
I think you’ll get a whole bunch of politically correct ranting abut the evils of smoking but not much else.
Personally I’m not sure what the message is meant to be. Seeing kids posed like smoking adults just looks out of place. Out of place is good at getting attention but what is the message?
The message is something simple: the smoker today is like the child who has been scolded by their parent to not to do something in public.
It doesn’t requires much thought the message is pretty evident.
And before anyone jumps, the children aren’t smoking, that is incense.
My first reaction to this was less than favorable, yet after watching the BTSV, if she can show the … flawed thinking behind those who chose to smoke or even let their children smoke kudos. Yet I think the reality will not prevail over an industry that has invaded the world like the black plague did in Europe.
These images are incredible. I think I had seen them earlier today, but I didn’t stop to view them. I’m glad you re-posted them. I think the surreal and disturbing look adds so much more interest and pathos. Thanks for the post.