Cómo Juegan los Niños
December 1 – 31, 2016
“Cómo juegan los niños” – How Kids Play
Artist Statement
As a pediatrician, my primary focus has always been on ensuring the safety and health of children. However, through my travels to less developed countries, I’ve observed that safety and health do not always align perfectly. In these places, I’ve encountered children who play with a sense of carefree fearlessness and boundless imagination, using the simplest of objects to fuel their creativity.
From a pediatrician’s perspective, play is a critical component of childhood development. It’s where children learn to socialize, problem-solve, and innovate. I am deeply intrigued by how different environments and circumstances shape the ways children play and how these variations impact their development.
This project is profoundly personal for me as an artist. I am constantly searching for elements in life that transcend the ordinary and connect us to something deeper. Through this series, I aim to explore and celebrate the unique ways in which children engage with their world. By capturing their uninhibited play, I hope to highlight the universal and timeless nature of creativity and the inherent magic that continues to inspire and connect us all.
Calvin Chen is a photographer based in the Pacific Northwest, known for his black-and-white images that capture the quiet and subtle beauty of everyday life. His work contains an understated elegance and often reveals almost spiritual elements within the ordinary.
Chen’s photography has been showcased at Blue Sky Gallery and Lightbox Photographic Gallery. He is also a multiple-time winner of Critical Mass.
Chen’s upcoming exhibition at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art will continue his exploration of a series focused on children at play.