Playground by James Mollison - book review: A glimpse for readers of all ages to issues of global diversity and inequality

With photographs from rich and poor schools across the world

Aida Boys’ School, Bethlehem (James Mollison)

James Mollison’s photo projects are based on smart, original concepts applied to serious social and environmental themes.

For Playground, Mollison has photographed children at play in school playgrounds, inspired by memories of his own childhood, and interested in how we all learn to negotiate relationships and our place in the world at a young age through play. Mollison sets up his camera during school break time, making multiple frames, and then composing each final photograph from several scenes, in which he finds revealing “play” narratives.

With photographs from rich and poor schools, in countries including Argentina, Bhutan, India, Japan, Kenya, Nepal, Sierra Leone and the USA, Mollison also provides lively access for readers of all ages to issues of global diversity and inequality.

James Mollison’s work has been featured widely in such publications as Colors, The New York Times Magazine and The Paris Review. He has also published several books. Pictured left: Aida Boys’ School, Bethlehem. The security wall is to protect pupils from bullets and teargas canisters

Aperture £30