Extremely controversial portraits of smoking children by talented Belgian photographer Frieke Janssens.
Series was inspired by YouTube video of smoking Indonesian toddler.
By using kids as models, the artist wants viewers to focus on the act of smoking rather than making assumptions about the person.
The aesthetics of smoke and the particular way smokers gesticulate with their hands and posture cannot be denied, but there is also a nod to less attractive aspects, on the line between beauty and ugliness of smoking.
There were no real cigarettes on set. Instead, chalk and sticks of cheese were uses as props, while candles and incense provided the smoke.
Also check out: 15 Powerful Anti-Smoking Ads
StevenRaj
The kids looks cute
Jan 12th, 2012
Lilia Smiles
This is really powerful and is a reminder that smoking not only affects a single person, but the people around them and their posterity. I also agree that a person isn’t necessarily a bad person if they smoke, but the action itself is irresponsible.
Jan 12th, 2012
Mon Sun C
I agree with Lilia about the action and how it affects everyone including children. It is a really strong visual message
Jan 12th, 2012
Pilar
very funny!
Jan 12th, 2012
Gert
And weirdly I remember many of the advertisements these are based on. Apparently I was paying more attention as a kid than I thought.
Never picked up smoking even though my parents did but that might be because I made the connection that smoking in and of itself did not make you attractive.
The chain smoking ginger made me lol though.
Jan 12th, 2012
SHREYA
dirty children they should not smoke bad for health
Jan 12th, 2012
Elliott
Man, round photos look weird on the web.
Jan 12th, 2012
douglas
Lets put kids in adult situations and call it inspired art. Anything for a buck.
Jan 12th, 2012
Elvisio
“a person isn’t necessarily a bad person if they smoke”
Gee, thanks.
Jan 12th, 2012
Mike M.
Parent of child, who give permision to such photo session is sick or very poor, no doubt. Smoking is harmul to people, especially kids. I’m curious how many cigarettes they had to smoke during the shoot.
Jan 12th, 2012
roxy
the 2nd and the 6th are my favorite. i don’t condone smoking, but these are pretty original. i kinda dig it
Jan 12th, 2012
spanki franki
lol if you watch the video you see they are using insense sticks!
you silly people
i think the whole idea of this is really powerful
but cute at the smae time lol
Jan 12th, 2012
johnny E.
excellent work, but disturbing
@ Mike M. :
as described :There were no real cigarettes on set. Instead, chalk and sticks of cheese were uses as props, while candles and incense provided the smoke
Jan 12th, 2012
Mike M.
@Johnny E.:
You are right – my mistake. I was reading very fast and bit untidy, impressed by this photos. However this kind of art bothers me. From my point of view art should be free from any constraints, but it is one bridge too far.
Jan 12th, 2012
Glenn Swann
I see the art in it all. Lucky for me I am mature enough to see it as art. My teen age daughter looking over my shoulder did not.
Jan 12th, 2012
I Like Traffic Lights
Classy.
Jan 13th, 2012
Betty
Not sure about the whole statement about smoking but the hair/makeup and wardrobe on the kids is FANTASTIC.
Jan 14th, 2012
Rolando
Smoking Kills!
Jan 18th, 2012
Zerian
@ Betty
I know right!
Styled perfectly.
Jan 22nd, 2012
Cate
I love love love these. They are just so elegantly done. The blonde at the top is just perfect.
Feb 1st, 2012
Yui
it’s amazing how expressive those kids are!
Mar 1st, 2012
voynich
arent’s this forbiden ? :-/
Mar 25th, 2012
James
I love this series! I want to keep looking at them, but I’m at work :(
Great style! its cute and sad and interesting. Its in your face, but there is a lot of nuance too.
Aug 8th, 2012