Childhood

Final- Edited

Final- Unedited

Artist Statement

The word “childhood” often makes people feel safe, happy, and loved. But there are many cases in which children get stuck with an unfortunate childhood. They are either born or placed into a household and until they are 18, there is no getting out of it.

My image portrays a young child, in elementary school, who is already realizing that his household is not a healthy place to grow up; but he has no say in the matter. No say in who his parents are, how they interact, or the atmosphere of his house. This image portrays that by blurring the parents slightly, which draws attention to the young child. It is ironic that that the child is in focus in this picture because that is not the way his life is. Usually children are the focus of a parents’ life, but in this case their priority is fighting with each other.

The child’s facial expression clearly expresses how he feels. He is sad, slumped, and looking down because he cannot bear this situation. And his parents put him in the middle which makes him feel unworthy and lonely. He should have his parents to turn to for help and guidance, but his parents do not pay him any attention. The child only has his parents as role models which makes him think arguing and fighting is normal. This could affect all of his future relationships because if he thinking fighting is normal then he will not be able to maintain any relationships.

The setting of this image was extremely important because it shows something simple and common: a dining table. A dining table is usually a place where a family comes together and talks or spends time as a whole. But at this dining table, there are just arguments. Also the image shows parts of the family room (another places where “normal” families come together) and the hallway. This shows the house and its grand size. Showing the big house not only shows the family is wealthy, but implies that the parents work a lot. That means the little time that this child does get to see his parents is spent with them arguing. This image shows emptiness which can help characterize the parents of the household. The image captures truthful emotions and allows for viewers to sympathize or empathize with the child.