It’s been a long time since I last passed by National Library, on my way home, we turned and saw a lot of display stands. A glance towards them and my attention is captured by a “distorted” photo and the title “Sex tourist 嫖妓的游客“.
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| This is the photo which capture my attention… |
Out of curiosity I paused to read the description and I can’t stop myself but staying back another 15 minutes to read through all the display stands.
This is actually the “Bought & Sold: Voices of Human Trafficking” photographic art exhibition on human trafficking by award winning photographer Kay Chernush. The exhibition is held to raise awareness of forced labour and sexual exploitation in the Asia-Pacific. Each photo draws on personal experiences of human trafficking victims, accompanied by an impactful message from someone who has lived through the ordeal. Looking outward through the victims’ eyes, the images challenge us to imagine the daily horrors, tedium, desperation and ambiguities of their lives – and urge us to take action.
One of the photo actually tell a story that happened in Singapore, so yah, no place is safe and free from human trafficking. Really glad for those who managed to escape and survive to share the story, although it’s still very upsetting to go through every photo and story. 🙁
Kay Chernush is an award winning photographer based in Washington DC, and is the Founder of ‘Artworks for Freedom’.
The exhibition is organised by EmancipAsia, a Singapore-based anti-trafficking organisation, together with ArtWorks for Freedom Singapore.
Where: National Library, The Plaza, 100 Victoria Street
MRT: City Hall/Bras Basah
When: Till Feb 28, 10am – 9pm
One can also view the photos on the website: http://www.artworksforfreedom.org/index.php#/bought-sold–the-exhibit/LockedInTrickedOut, the message is shorter than those I read from the exhibition, but the photos tells a lot.
