Old Souls
Jim Goldberg is at the forefront of the social aims movement in photography. While we as viewers are aware that Goldberg is as present in the scenes as the characters themselves, the teens he photographs seem to forget about him, and allow him to record their most private moments. From sexual encounters to drug use, fights to prostitution; the kids are very open. Transvestites and crack pipes mix with cut heads and bruised necks to form a backdrop where children aren’t children anymore, and numbing the pain is the most important aspect of survival. Goldberg’s interviews with police officers and a youth counsellors highlight the indifference and apathy of the adults who know these children. It’s a telling state of affairs.
‘Open See’ tells of the journeys of refugee and immigrant populations who travel from war torn and economically devastated countries, often leaving AIDS ravaged communities or totalitarian regimes to make new homes in Europe. It’s dark but truly enlightening.
‘Open See’ is at The Photographers’ Gallery, 16 – 18 Ramillies Street, London W1F 7LW until 17th January 2010.
