Children in War: A Student-Organized Exhibition of Photographs from the Loeb

Experiences of war, physical displacement, and political upheaval are some of the most important and urgent subjects of photography, past and present. This exhibition addressed these topics through photographs from the Loeb’s permanent collection of photography selected by Vassar students enrolled in an interdisciplinary course offered by Tracey Holland (Department of Latin American and Latinx Studies). At a time when the world is witnessing the largest displacement of people since World War II, due in significant measure to armed conflict, this class examined select case studies of armed conflict and their consequences for children. A principal aim of the course was to study the efforts of journalists, photographers, and writers of young adult literature to raise awareness about children and armed conflict, and to treat them in such a way that provokes understanding, empathy, and solidarity. As part of their coursework, students were assigned to select, research, and write about one photograph each from the Loeb’s collection. Their selections and writing were featured in this exhibition.