This striking black-and-white photograph transcends the boundaries of documentary and fine art, offering viewers an unflinching look at the resilience of childhood against the backdrop of conflict. Two Syrian boys stand before a cracked, graffiti-streaked wall, their postures steeped in both innocence and intensity. One boy points a toy gun at the other’s head—a gesture at once playful and unsettling, capturing the precarious balance between imagination and the grim realities of their environment.

The image's high contrast draws attention to every detail: the defiant stance of the boy with the toy gun, the quiet vulnerability of his younger companion, and the worn, textured wall behind them—a silent witness to their world. The interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the tension in the moment, while the boys’ expressions leave the viewer suspended between interpretations. Is this a game, a mimicry of their surroundings, or a reflection of their internalized reality?

This photograph challenges us to reconsider how we perceive innocence in the context of adversity. It is not merely a depiction of children at play but a visual narrative of resilience, adaptability, and the unyielding human spirit. The worn concrete wall becomes a metaphor for endurance, while the toy gun underscores the fragility and creativity of childhood in a space shaped by hardship.

Part of the November is a Beginning project, this print is more than a piece of art—it is a poignant reminder of the complexities of growing up in a fractured world. It speaks a universal language, inviting viewers to reflect on the interplay of light and shadow, hope and despair, play and survival.

This piece offers a chance to bring home not just an artwork, but a conversation about resilience and the enduring power of humanity.

15 Medium(image size standard A3 420 x 297mm)

8 Large(image size standard A2 594 x 420mm)

Pigment Print

Outside white border on all prints.
Certificated & signed.

Prints are printed using the highest quality and museum-proofed archival inks and paper. PH neutral, Acid and OBA free.

Prints are NOT framed, please have professionally framed.

Printed and shipped from FINLAND.

Estimated shipping time 1-2 weeks