Since 2011, Brian McCarty (featured in Hi-Fructose Vol. 1) has traveled to wartorn areas in the Middle East, speaking with children who have witnessed extreme violence. With the help of therapists, McCarty conducts art interviews with the children and invites them communicate their experiences through drawings. These drawings in turn become the basis for McCarty’s photographic works in his “War Toys” series, where he stages violent scenarios using toys to illuminate the traumas these children experience. The V&A Museum of Childhood in London is investigating some of the themes put forth in McCarty’s work with an exhibition titled “War Games.”
The show examines the ways war toys are more than just playthings, but rather stand-ins for broader society’s view of geopolitics and even forms of indoctrination. The museum recently published a photo essay of McCarty’s works on their website. Check out more information about the exhibition here and take a look at some of McCarty’s recent works below.
