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Artist Statement
This photo was taken at Saidia Orphanage in Gilgil, Kenya in October 2007. Saidia ("Help!" in Swahili) was set up as a home for children orphaned by AIDS, who either have no living relatives or were removed from abusive situations. These kids are true survivors. They have been through enormous pain, but they are still children after all, and like to play games. Though enormously proud of their vivid blue school uniforms they had no compunctions about messing them up kneeling on the ground to play hide and seek. As a photographer I like to get up close and personal with people I photograph and generally connect through the eyes. These kids had their own ideas, however, and hid out behind me. I looked over my shoulder and was fascinated by the blue on ochre colors and their grace as they coiled and spiraled into each other. I ignored my predilection for eyes, and seized the moment. |
