A poignant photographic collection documenting and highlighting the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children and young people worldwide opens this week
Little Faces Big Feelings was spearheaded by documentary photographer Maria Reaney and brings together 16 artists from internationally diverse backgrounds to shed light on the social and emotional challenges faced by children during lockdowns and thereafter.
Through a genuine and authentic female lens, the images capture the experiences and stories of young people navigating a disrupted world. From the closure of schools and public spaces, to the upheaval of daily routines, the photographs reflect a spectrum of emotions – boredom, longing, contemplation, playfulness, curiosity, and frustration.
In a time marked by unprecedented mental health challenges for children, this collection has become a powerful historical document, highlighting the psychological strain of the pandemic, while also reminding us of our resilience and celebrating the simple joys that were also found.
Project organiser Maria Reaney says “The project aims to, not only foster compassion and understanding for mental health but also to act as a springboard for sparking essential conversations and empathy around our emotions and feelings. Human beings are social creatures and when ‘locked down’, our critical requirements for growth are taken away. Our minds, and bodies, respond with an increased requirement for interaction, love and support. As the legendary Birmingham poet, the late Benjamin Zephaniah stated, “People need people”.
Curator Michelle Keeling says “Bringing Little Faces Big Feelings to Waterside is incredibly meaningful, especially as we mark five years since the pandemic began. This exhibition offers a vital space for reflection and dialogue; it’s not just about looking back at a challenging chapter in our history but about honouring the resilience of young people and fostering greater empathy and understanding in our communities.”
The exhibition coincides with the UK-wide day of reflection on Sunday 9 March, marking five years since the pandemic. As part of this commemoration, visitors to Waterside will be able to share reflections and memories in an area of remembrance in Gallery ’74.
Little Faces Big Feelings comes to Waterside from Saturday 25 January and runs until Saturday 19 April.
Free entry | Lauriston Gallery | Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
