To begin with, the project presents only a part of my research, which will last for the next seven years. This means you’re not seeing the whole picture, as my research is not finished yet, but you are seeing an important part, nevertheless.

Another point is that this research is based on two main convictions.

The first is that despite different cultural, social, and ethnic characteristics, we are all quite similar. We are the holders of unifying principals, namely love, desire, fears, dreams, and ideals. These features are not visible on the surface. However, they are always hidden inside us.
The second is that teenagers themselves represent a kind of bridge between childhood and maturity. This is a vulnerable age and how teens enter the world of adulthood depends a lot on us  - the more experienced adults.  

My message is that we have to give them our hand and hold them carefully while they’re crossing this bridge. This can happen in many ways - by valuing their uniqueness, respecting their borders, and encouraging their directness. Let’s say to them "I see you/I accept you/You have the right to be yourself". And more, let’s allow them to understand clearly that their own choices, and their desired freedom, are nothing else but the responsibility for the decisions which they have taken.

My role is to draw your attention to this age group, and through the global idea of integration, to provide each young girl and boy with the ability to show their personality as they enter the world of adulthood.

Furthermore, I dream that each teenager, who is an ex-child, will have their own chance for a healthy and fulfilling life, both physically and mentally.

All in all, today I present you the two first chapters of this project THE YOUTH OF THE EARTH:

The Youth: Crimea – photos which were taken in Crimea, and

The Youth: Seychelles – the photos and videos, which were taken in Seychelles.

Looking ahead, I hope to visit several other countries. China, India, Italy, . In each next chapter, you will find 12 photographs, 6 girls and 6 boys, from 13 to 19 years of age.

This photo was taken at the exhibition in Simferopol in 2015.

Photo by Alexander Kozlov 

This photo was taken in 2019 (Mahe, Seychelles). It featured an exhibition of Eva Vradiy’s photographs.