Media Gallery
Welcome to this Media Gallery, where you will know more about the theme of visibility and invisibility of child workers in urban spaces. This selection of media objects aims to shed light on the often overlooked lives of child workers. Through these powerful images and narratives, I invite you to explore the struggles and challenges these children face daily.
The image captures a young girl standing in a dimly lit factory, her small frame engulfed by the massive machines surrounding her. We can clearly notice the exhaustion etched on her frail face, which we can assume is due to the harsh conditions she endures.
This heartbreaking photograph, depicting a young girl in a Georgia cotton mill, was taken by Lewis Hine for the National Child Labor Committee between 1908 and 1924. It serves as a harsh reminder of the severe realities that American child workers faced in the early 20th century, illustrating the widespread exploitation and the urgent need for labor reform during that era. (Kristi Finefield, 2019)
Banksy’s “Slave Labour” mural portrays a young boy kneeling on the ground in front of a sewing machine. He is wearing a shirt and appears to be very focused on his task of sewing the British flag bunting.This striking image draws attention to the issue of child labor. The artwork was created in May 2012
This mural art created in May 2012 relates to the issue of child labor and bring attention to it, the date of creation also coincides with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in the UK, and it was sort of a protest to denounce child labor and the exploitation of young workers in the production of mass-goods. (Itv News, 2012)
New ‘Banksy’ style artwork appeared overnight in London
The Chimney Sweeper is a poem written by William Blake and it conveys the harsh reality of child labor and the constant exploitation of children in the 18th century in England, by using the voice of a young chimney sweeper, William aimed to shed light on the harsh realities faced by children who are forced to endure this dangerous profession.
Through vivid imagery and irony, he conveys the tragedy of children who lost their innocent childhood, challenging readers to address this prevalent issue. The poem remains a touching reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect the rights of children worldwide. (William Blake, n.d.)
Baitullah is a short documentary film that focuses on the issue of child labor. The film adapts a documentary-style approach and it captures the the story of Baitullah who is a young Indian child with a dream, but it is threatened by a lack of education.
This narrative highlights the heavy and important impact of child labor on the dreams and aspirations of young individuals, emphasising how it can prevent them from living a normal life and realising their full potential.
Through Baitullah’s story, we really get to understand and discover the cruel implications of child labor, shedding light on its detrimental effects on young lives and their future lives. (Dolare, 2022)
This hunting award winning short movie captures the life of a young Indian boy who instead of having a school bag over his shoulder carries the burden of a garbage bag. ( Lost childhood, 2017)
This short movie also highlights the harsh reality that not all children are fortunate enough to have and to enjoy a normal and safe childhood, for some unfortunately, the basic rights and privilege’s that many of use take for granted become far-fetched dreams.
By exposing the harsh realities faced by these children, the movie sheds light on the urgent need for societal changes to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience a safe childhood.
This mural art is the fruit of a collaboration between Mexican street artist Victoria Villasanna and French street artist Zabou, through this street art, they wanted to raise awareness on the topic of child labor and to shed light on the exploitation of children in various industries around the world.
The artwork is a powerful visual statement, that challenges viewers to confront the harsh realities of child labor, it also encourages people to support initiatives that help minimise and eradicate this global phenomenon.
By combining their artistic talents, Villasanna and Zabou created a piece that not only captivates but also inspires action against child labor. (Shoreditch street art tours, n.d.)
Invisible Hands is an award winning documentary that exposes child trafficking and labor within big corporations that produce some of our day to day products.
This Documentary also uncovers the modern slavery system which is supported by some of the world’s largest corporations, moreover, this documentary also challenges viewers to take proactive actions to minimise and eradicate this pervasive phenomenon around the globe.
By revealing the dark side of global supply chains, “Invisible Hands” aims to raise awareness and inspire change, urging individuals and organisations to stand against these exploitative practices and advocate for the rights and dignity of all children. ( Invisible Hands, n.d.)
This graph from Statista illustrates the prevalence of child labor in cocoa-producing countries, especially in West Africa. It highlights the ongoing struggle to reduce child labor in these regions, with a specific emphasis on the cocoa industry.
Despite ongoing efforts to combat child labor, the data reveals that children continue to be involved in arduous activities on cocoa farms. These activities include the use of sharp tools, exposure to chemicals, and carrying heavy loads.
The graph serves as a harsh reminder of the urgent need for proactive action and adequate strategies to address the causes of child labor in the cocoa supply chain. (Child labor still prevalent in cocoa-producing countries, 2020)
