Refer to the visual sources in FIGURES 3a to 3d - NSC Visual Arts - Question 3 - 2017 - Paper 1

Photography captures real-life moments, enhancing the immediacy and urgency of the subjects. In Ravelo’s work, he documents events as if they were 'human installations,' where subjects willingly embody these scenes. This choice enables a visceral connection and draws the viewer into the poignant realities depicted.

Pixelation serves to protect the identities of the children, reflecting a broader concern for anonymity in sensitive contexts. It highlights the collective suffering of children, obscuring individual identities while emphasizing shared experiences of pain and trauma.

Each figure addresses distinct issues:

• FIGURE 3a reflects the sexual abuse crisis within the Catholic Church, highlighting the plight of innocent children caught in a web of exploitation.
• FIGURE 3b depicts the victimization of youth amid violence, particularly in conflict zones like Syria, representing loss of childhood and innocence.
• FIGURE 3c addresses school shootings, representing broader societal violence affecting children worldwide.
• FIGURE 3d shows the brutal reality faced by youths, casting a spotlight on societal neglect and exploitation.

These images collectively suggest a grim narrative about the innocence lost due to societal and institutional failures.

The images likely faced censorship due to their provocative nature, which challenges societal comfort levels regarding violence and exploitation. They incite discomfort, leading platforms like Facebook to opt for restriction over engagement, avoiding confrontation with harsh realities.

Opposition to the imagery in FIGURE 3a stems from discomfort with confronting difficult issues like child abuse. The portrayal of a partially clothed child can be distressing, but it effectively fosters discussion on issues typically sanitized or ignored in mainstream narratives.

The series proves effective by forcefully confronting viewers with stark realities. It invokes visceral reactions and challenges complacency. By presenting children in vulnerable positions, it highlights societal failures, urging viewers to advocate for change against systemic violence and abuse.