Age of INNOCENCE Series by Laurent Elie Badessi transcend the boundaries of conventional photographic expression

Date: January 1st 2024
Location: (USA)
A focus on the relationship with children and guns in the United States.

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Laurent Elie Badessi, a French photographer and artist

 

Laurent Elie Badessi, a French photographer and artist currently residing in the vibrant city of New York, has delved into the realm of photography with a compelling series known as « Innocence. »

This collection of photographs not only showcases Badessi’s mastery of a distinctive technique, unraveling the captivating laws of physics governing the reflection of light, but it also serves as a canvas for his exploration of color theory in an unconventional manner.

 

Symbolism, one of his favored artistic tools

 

Symbolism, one of his favored artistic tools, is seamlessly interwoven into the fabric of this project.

What sets the « Innocence » series apart is Badessi‘s adept utilization of the fundamental characteristics inherent to the medium of photography: the ability to capture fleeting moments in time and the strategic manipulation of light.

Each photograph within this series becomes a testament to the artist’s skillful orchestration of these elements, resulting in visually arresting compositions that transcend the boundaries of conventional photographic expression.

Beyond the captivating « Innocence » series, Badessi extends his artistic exploration to a thought-provoking body of work titled « Age of Innocence, Children and Guns in the USA » (2016–2019). Premiering at the esteemed National Arts Club in New York in 2021, this exhibition unveils a poignant narrative through a combination of evocative portraits and insightful texts. In this project, Badessi courageously ventures into the complex emotional terrain that defines the relationship between children and firearms in the United States.

By choosing to portray children in the context of weaponry, Badessi sparks contemplation on the multifaceted layers of meaning embedded within his work. What drives the artist to juxtapose innocence with elements of potential danger? Is he challenging societal norms, urging viewers to reflect on the vulnerability of youth in the face of pervasive issues? The deliberate choice of subject matter invites audiences to ponder these questions, encouraging a dialogue on the intersection of art, symbolism, and societal discourse.

In essence, Badessi‘s artistic endeavors transcend the mere visual; they become a catalyst for introspection and dialogue.
Through his lens, he not only captures the play of light on his subjects but also illuminates the intricate interplay between societal constructs and the inherent purity of childhood.

 

Laurent Badessi’s thought

 

 »I’ve been living in the United States for almost thirty years. I’ve been intrigued by this country’s gun culture since the first day I arrived on American soil. I began working on « Children and Guns in the United States » in 2016, having had the desire to create a series of photographs on the subject for quite some time.

I moved from Paris to Houston in 1991, where I resided for about four years before settling in New York. As a Frenchman, I had never been in contact with firearms. It was in Texas that I was surprised to discover that it was perfectly normal for a child, even a very young one, to go shooting or hunting with his parents.

In the years that followed, I traveled extensively throughout the country on various photographic projects and realized that firearms were popular throughout the United States. They don’t symbolize danger; on the contrary, they are synonymous with safety.

 

Guns in circulation over 300 million

 

It’s a controversial subject in the country, where the number of guns in circulation is said to be the highest in the world: over 300 million. Many people fear that mass shootings have become increasingly frequent due to the ease of access to firearms.

 

Gun represent an Object of desire, for others an object of hate

 

For some, guns are an object of desire, for others an object of hate, an issue that fascinates and polarizes American society. Children all over the world have been playing with toy guns for generations. Without a doubt, guns are part of our daily lives, whether we like it or not!

 

The aim of this photographic work –

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI – PHOTOTOGRAPHER | CONCEPTUAL ARTIST | CREATIVE DIRECTOR | AUTHOR | NYC & PARIS

 

The aim of this photographic work was to try and understand why guns appeal to so many Americans. My aim was to remain as neutral as possible and explore this fundamental aspect of American society by highlighting and documenting the relationship that children and teenagers have with firearms today.

I let the children express themselves in front of my lens, and gave them the same freedom to answer this simple question: « What do you like about guns? »

In these photographs, the youngsters are holding real guns or toys, revealing the blurred boundary between fiction and reality in this field.

Let’s not forget that the majority of firearm-related deaths and accidents suffered by children occur when they find an unattended weapon while playing, or decide to show off with it. In this book, one thing is certain: safety is an absolute priority.

The innocence of youth can include or exclude weapons. For some, protection means living with weapons; for others, protection means living without. Who has the last word? »

 

INNOCENCE Series

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Ashton G., age 12, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Victoria H., age 13, Louisiana, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Ruenn M., 8 years old, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

LAURENT ELLAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Jolie D., 7 years old, New York, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Cassius R., 5 years old, New York, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Catalyan R., 3 years old, New York, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Emma C., age 9, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Lex V., age 12, New Jersey, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Eva W., age 9, Idaho, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Celena M., age 12, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Rob J., 16, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Kian Y., 15, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Taylor M., 16, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Gracie H., age 10, Louisiana, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Wade R., age 16, Idaho, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Tommy T., 15, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Ava R., age 5, Idaho, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Dylan E., age 11, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Makenna S., age 10, Idaho, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Bentley W., age 4, Idaho, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Antonio S., age 11, New Jersey, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Bernice J., age 10, Idaho, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Cristian S., 8 years old, New York, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Oscar T. Jr. 13, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Garrett G., 15, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
CJ S., 15, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Alexandra B., 15, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Nicolas M., 16, Texas, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Corentin L., age 10, New York, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Ilana D., 8 years old, New York, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Elka W., 15, Idaho, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI
AGE OF INNOCENCE
Jared G., 17, New Jersey, 2016-2019
Inkjet print on baryted hahnemühle paper
Titled, dated, numbered, signed and stamped on verso
56 x 43.2 cm, edition of 20
114 x 96 cm, edition of 7

 

 

 

Age of INNOCENCE by Laurent Elie Badessi

A focus on the relationship with children and guns in the United States.

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI CONTACT

 

 

STUDIO NYC +1 212 388 7295

info@badesi.com

Instagram & Twitter: laurent_elie_badessi / @lebfoto
http://www.badessi.com/contact.html

 

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