Toy Soldiers by Simon Brann Thorpe is a stunning representation of modern warfare using the innocent imagery of the iconic children's toy. Shot in the Sahara Desert and showcasing real troops, the Toy Soldiers series causes the viewer to reconsider how desensitized society has become to depictions of war.
The project, which took Simon Brann Thorpe two years to organize, captures various tableau-style set ups of green monochrome soldiers posing on matching bases. The results are a creative and thought-provoking series that both causes the viewer to pause and consider what they are actually viewing.
The Toy Soldiers by Simon Brann Thorpe series is to be released as a photo book by Dewi Lewis Publishing in 2015.
Toy-Inspired Photo Projects
Toy Soldiers by Simon Brann Thorpe Features Real-Life Troops
Trend Themes
1. Toy-inspired Photo Projects - Incorporating toy imagery into unconventional media presents an opportunity to engage audiences in new and imaginative ways.
2. Reimagined Iconic Imagery - Reinventing what iconic toys can be used for presents a unique opportunity for creative expression and social commentary.
3. Military Image Deconstruction - Using toys to showcase real-world military situations can offer a new perspective and stimulate discourse on social issues.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - The use of toys in photography presents an opportunity for photographers and artists to explore new creative avenues and push boundaries.
2. Toy Manufacturing - Integrating social commentary or unconventional use of toys in marketing campaigns presents an opportunity to engage consumers and create buzz.
3. Military/defense - Using toy soldiers as a tool for training or simulation in the military presents a cost-effective and potentially more emotionally intelligent method of training soldiers for real-world situations.