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Artist Jon Henry started working on his photography series Stranger Fruit back in 2014. What began as a protest against senseless police killings of black people ended up being a lot of other things, too. Most notably, it's an introspective mirror that allows viewers to examine their own take on the subject.

The people we see in the photos are real mothers, posing in their own environment with their actual sons, reenacting what it must feel like to lose them. The mothers are isolated. Alone. Empty. When the trials are over and the protesters have gone home, when the news cameras are gone and nobody is around anymore, the mother remains on the site forever. There's no peace of mind; the scene will always haunt her.

These mothers understand that this could happen to their family at any moment.

More info: jonhenryphotography.com | Instagram

#1

Untitled #44, Crenshaw Blvd, Ca

Untitled #44, Crenshaw Blvd, Ca

Jon Henry Report

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Chloe Drury
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is why we say black lives matter because people need reminding that POC are humans too.

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From a rural area in North Minneapolis to a street corner in Jersey City, Henry has visited a lot of places for the series. "I chose these locations because I could find subjects there," the photographer told Bored Panda. "The locations are where the families live and work. I'm looking for areas that describe the city and/or state from a geographical and architectural point of view."

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    #2

    Stranger Fruit By Jon Henry

    Stranger Fruit By Jon Henry

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    Daria B
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    While, I believe Michelangelo's Pietà played a big part in the overall inspiration for these series, this one is aesthetically similar too. And I like that. It surely does evoke many questions.

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    Even though these shots are staged, they radiate authenticity. "The families choose whatever they are comfortable with wearing, so that helps the natural feel," Henry explained. "The comfort level with the family also helps the feel of the images. These aren't actors, they are family that [really] consider these issues."

    The photographer wanted the mothers to pose deadpan to appeal more directly to the viewer. And they do. They look directly in our eyes, as if asking, how do we feel and what are we going to do about this. "The viewer can make their own decision on how to respond to the images," Henry concluded.

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    #5

    Untitled #5 Parkchester, NY

    Untitled #5 Parkchester, NY

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    Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is heartbreaking...no mother should have to fear for child's life based on solely the colour of their skin.

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    #6

    Untitled #33, Jersey City, Nj

    Untitled #33, Jersey City, Nj

    Jon Henry Report

    #7

    “Untitled 48, Inglewood, Ca”

    “Untitled 48, Inglewood, Ca”

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    #8

    Untitled #19 Magnificent Mile, Il

    Untitled #19 Magnificent Mile, Il

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    Garrison Cox
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of Michelangelo's Pieta in the Vatican. http://www.italianrenaissance.org/michelangelos-pieta/

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    #9

    Untitled #25 Montgomery, Al

    Untitled #25 Montgomery, Al

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    #10

    Untitled #55 Little Rock, Ar

    Untitled #55 Little Rock, Ar

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    Jamma
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Poignant, considering the backdrop (a historically famous high school).

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    #11

    Untitled #17 South Side Chicago, Il

    Untitled #17 South Side Chicago, Il

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    Omar Pearson
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm just imagining the people who just don't care and it makes me SMAD!!

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    #12

    Jon Henry, “Untitled 39, Santa Monica, Ca”

    Jon Henry, “Untitled 39, Santa Monica, Ca”

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    konner
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't get it, are you saying were gonna brutally murder every single one of theses mother(S) children

    Christy Smith
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t know what I thought the pics were going to be, but not the exact same thing in each one.

    moxie1956
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The people in the background seem to have their backs turned to what's happening. If this was real, the turned backs would then smack of indifference.

    WildBerry
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There wouldn't be any people in the background if this was real because they all would have run for cover when the bullets started.

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    Truth Monster
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Out of all of the pictures, this is the only one that is any good.

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    #13

    Untitled 53, North Little Rock, Ar

    Untitled 53, North Little Rock, Ar

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    Carole Deem
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have cried over every one of these pictures. people treasure and love each other.

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    #14

    Untitled 56, Houston Tx

    Untitled 56, Houston Tx

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    IrishGirl
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my heart is breaking...how can a family endure such a loss? yeah, I know - they weren't given a choice.

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    #15

    “Untitled 45, Oakland, Ca”

    “Untitled 45, Oakland, Ca”

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    #16

    Untitled #13 Groveland Park, Il

    Untitled #13 Groveland Park, Il

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    #17

    Untitled 51, New Orleans, La

    Untitled 51, New Orleans, La

    Jon Henry Report

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    #19

    Untitled #1 Co-Op City, NY

    Untitled #1 Co-Op City, NY

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    Salif C
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately and sadly enough some loose more than one child to gun violence :(

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    #20

    Untitled #29, North Miami, Fl

    Untitled #29, North Miami, Fl

    Jon Henry Report

    #21

    Untitled #24 Birmingham, Al

    Untitled #24 Birmingham, Al

    Jon Henry Report

    #23

    Stranger Fruit By Jon Henry

    Stranger Fruit By Jon Henry

    Jon Henry Report

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    Jamma
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see families that will have their hearts torn to pieces. :(

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    #27

    Untitled #9 Newburgh, NY

    Untitled #9 Newburgh, NY

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    Carole Dose
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I appreciate all the classic poses from well-loved religious art.

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