Lost Paradise

A photo series about children lost in the modern world of excessive consumption, high expectations, and overindulgence.

In the project “Lost Paradise, ” the author speaks about one disturbing phenomenon of childhood and adolescent apathy, which is becoming more and more visible in developed societies. 

In the time of unprecedented material wealth and comfort, the eyes of children reflect more often emptiness and alienation but not a joy. Parents try to raise a child in a careless childhood, fill it with entertainments, and free him from cares, but a question 

appears: why in the youngest does apathy appear?

Author imagines the inner states of children, making theatrical images in the spirit of Caravaggio.

“Lost Paradise” helps to reflect the question: what lies behind the modern trends of achievement culture and excessive consumption. What is going on with the mental health condition of the young generation, and what is hidden behind the mask of “happy childhood” in the modern world?

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I believe that my project will be interesting for a wide audience, especially for families with children and young people. 

It seems to me that my project concerns a very sensitive topic, first of all for the United States. The amount of sweets consumed by children exceeds any reasonable limits. Plus, children’s hypodynamics and dependence on gadgets are alarming. The modern child is undoubtedly influenced by the constant stress brought about by high competition, starting in school. We should not forget the constant busyness of the parents, where they hardly have the time and energy for meaningful communication with the children. All these factors together are often the result of “children turning inward, ” developing apathy, and having no desires or aspirations. I know this personally, having two children, 10 and 13 years old.

I hope that my project will make someone reflect and change their children’s lives for the better.