Hendrik Paul

Bio

I make silent photographs. I attempt to photograph scenes that express stillness, yet maintain power and confidence.

Statement

Is this a child? A monk? Is that a real gun? A toy gun? Is he playing? Or is he actually shooting the gun? At whom or what is he pointing the gun? Is the boy in a war zone? Which war is it? I think these are some of the questions that really challenge the viewer and the preconceived notions that the viewer may have. The image itself is universal and timeless. When I came across the boy with the gun in a region of Tibetan Buddhist culture, I could not help but think of the effects of Westernization on other cultures. But on further contemplation, I asked myself if what I saw really was a contrast of cultures? Could this young boy be just like other young boys who enjoy playing with a gun? None-the-less, it is the stark contrast of seeing a young Buddhist child playing with a gun - a boy whom one can assume is learning the spiritual teachings and practices of Buddhism. Where is the battle for peace really being fought-- inside?