With everything going on in the world this exhibition in the Duveen Gallery is a much-needed example of hope in our future. As you may already know, the project, initiated by artist Steve McQueen, involved taking class photos of year 3 primary school pupils in every London borough.
1,504 schools took part (that’s 76,000 children) all listed outside on the wall. I was able to see my first primary school there as well as the ones nearest my house. I respected the request not to take close-up photos of children hence the general shots.
Year 3 catches that time (7 to 8 years old) in children’s lives when they begin to be more aware of the world beyond their immediate family and friends.
Steve McQueen recalls visiting Tate on a school trip at that age and how it really expanded his concept of what the world could be.
So if you need to feel uplifted I do recommend this show. It’s best when there are lots of excited kids searching for their picture.
