What's it like to be a young European today? New doc photo project explores...
- Text by Shelley Jones
- Photography by Various. See Captions.
Since the economic crisis in 2008, young people all over the world have faced a sustained period of uncertainty about their futures.
In response to this time – which could present as many new opportunities and new beginnings as it does challenges – the Norwegian government commissioned 12 amazing documentary photographers in Europe (from Jocelyn Bain Hogg to Tommy Ellingsen) to capture young people in their natural environments.
The resulting body of work Project Sea Change is a book and roaming exhibition that explores the issues affecting many of Europe’s young people – from migration and political extremism to Islamic fundamentalism and unemployment.
Project Sea Change is inspired by the FSA Photographers of the Roosevelt Administration in the USA who took more than 250,000 pictures, from 1935 to 1942, to document the extent and effects of the Great Depression and to highlight the measures that were taken to lift America out of crisis. According to the publishers: “Great photography has the potential to tell stories with a power to provoke change. That is difficult to achieve with words alone.”
Check out a selection of the photography in the gallery above and visit the Project Sea Change website for more info on the book and exhibition.
You might like
The art of paying attention: How Austria’s Alps reward slowing down
Lebensgefühl — With a growing movement of art and music rooted in the area’s mountains, trees and waterfalls, the region is showcasing the importance of the human relationship to nature.
Written by: Sophie Lou Wilson
Grainy, yearning memories of Europe’s ’90s free rave heyday
Never Alone — A new photobook from Cheyenne Clementi and Valentina Morandi presents pictures they made over seven years while touring the continent as part of the Tekno Mobil Squad soundsystem crew. It archives parties, people and a lifestyle largely consigned to the past.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Queer resistance & sun-soaked solidarity at the world’s largest trans pride march
Our Future, Our Fight — Over the weekend, over 150,000 people marched at the London Trans+ Pride, with the parade ending at Trafalgar Square for the first time in history.
Written by: Ella Glossop
In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation
Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Youthful joy & end-of-era poignancy at a London school prom
Leavers — For several years, Lewis Khan documented young people as they celebrated the last of their school days and the completion of their exams. The series is now collated in a new self-published photobook and short film.
Written by: Zoe Whitfield
Harry Gruyaert’s vintage, kaleidoscopic scenes of New York
A Sense of Place — For 50 years, the Belgian photographer and Magnum Photos member has been capturing NYC’s colourful chaos. A new photobook and exhibition showcase his unique, technicolour view of the city.
Written by: Miss Rosen
