December 26, 2020 |
2020 has been an extraordinary year. We felt it was important to capture and document this monumental time through the younger generation. We shot portraits of 17 children between the ages of three and 12-years-old over two days, asking them their views on the pandemic, lockdown and their hopes and dreams for the future. We wanted the shoot to symbolise their optimism, hope and unity, whilst also acknowledging how difficult it has been.
We incorporated some of the visual iconography of the year, such as rainbows painted by children in support of the NHS and the smiley face – a nod to positivity and DIY culture – which many of us have participated in; whether it be through activism or being part of a community and helping others during this challenging time.
So much has happened for children this year, they are living though a historic moment and are a great indicator of the mindset of society. We discovered they are so resilient, even though the pandemic has brought many different challenges to them all. It was wonderful to meet and work with each and every one of them.
Valeria, 5-years-old
What do you remember most about lockdown in March-May 2020?
“It was bad because we had to stay at home.”
What do you hope for most in the future?
“I hope that in there’s more nature in the future.”
Archie, 7-years-old
What do you remember most about lockdown in March-May 2020?
“I remember staying in and clapping for the NHS. I enjoyed spending time with my family, especially my sister India and I – we liked baking. I didn’t like that I couldn’t see my friends, I felt lonely not seeing them and not going football practice.”
How do you think the government is handling the pandemic ?
“They are doing a good job but there are still lots of deaths and people are sometimes ill and stuff, so I want the government to do something more thriving.”
Tom, 5-years-old
How do you think the government is handling the pandemic?
“I think they’re doing a terrible job. Thumbs down.”
What do you hope for most in the future?
“That we don’t have another virus and we don’t have to go into lockdown again.”
Remi, 9-years-old
Whats it like being back at school?
“It’s a bit weird because we have to hand sanitise all the time which I don’t like. But I don’t mind as I get to see my friends and my teacher.”
What do you hope for most in the future?
“That everything gets back to normal and we can start focusing on climate change and other important issues.”
Frankie, Billie, Ashlee (the triplets), 10-years-old
What do you remember most about lockdown in March-May 2020?
Frankie: “It was boring.”
Billie: “Playing with my Barbies cos I never get a chance normally because of school and my sisters.”
Ashlee: “I loved it cos I got to play Fortnite more.”
How do you think the government is handling the pandemic?
Frankie: “Boris is a bad man.”
Billie: “I think it’s crazy and I want Boris to handle it better.”
Ashlee: “I don’t know.”
Sabrina 11-years-old (& Lucas 8-years-old)
Whats it like being back at school?
“It’s really strange because we have to wear masks inside and we have to socially distance.”
What do you hope for most in the future?
“I hope for the pandemic to get lost, and to play more football and to go to more photo shoots, and have fun with my family and friends. And I look forward to seeing you!”
Fionn, 9-years-old and Saoirse, 6-years-old
Whats it like being back at school?
Fionn: “We have to play in separate parts of the playground in our year bubble and that is quite boring. It feels a bit weird as all our tables are in rows so that we don’t get Covid.”
Saoirse: “It is OK, but we have to wash our hands a lot. I was nervous when we started in our new class and I have to share a table with my partner.”
How do you think the government is handling the pandemic?
Fionn: “They are trying to do their best, but everyday it gets worse because some people are not listening to the government rules.”
Saoirse: “The government is doing fine, they are trying to make Christmas OK.”
Dereke, 9-years-old (& sister Diadem, 3-years-old)
What do you remember most about lockdown in March-May 2020?
“I remember the government saying you are not allowed to leave home except for for food. I was not happy about staying at home for so long. and I’m not happy that a lot of people lost loved ones.”
What do you hope for most in the future ?
“I hope everything goes back to normal again, so we don’t need a face mask to feel safe and to be able to have parties again without worries.”
Saffron, 8-years-old (& brother Xander, 4-years-old)
What do you remember most about lockdown in March-May 2020?
“I remember spending a lot of time with my family and that I did not have to go to school. I did not like having to do schoolwork at home.”
What do you hope for most in the future?
“I hope that the scientists can come up with a vaccine for Covid, and that things will get better and that less or no people will become sick.”
BRAVE NEW WORLD
Photography, Casting & Set Design Nerys Jones
Styling, Casting Milena Mihic
Hair, Make-Up Oonah Anderson
Photography assistant Roy Baron
Styling Assistant Mariangela Orlando
Models Valeria, Tom and Remi, Billie, Ashlee and Frankie at Kids London,
Sabrina, Lucas, Archie, Fionn, Saoirse, Dereke, Diadem, Saffron and Xander at Ray & Robin
Clothes Les Girls Les Boys, Sportsbanger, Stella McCartney Kids, Givenchy Kids, Repose-Ams, Young Double, Ben Sherman, Monty & Co, Jelly Mallow, Beau Loves, Fluff, Main Story, Wander & Wonder, Mini Rodini, The Animals Observatory, Petite Amelie
Thanks to all the models and their parents
