‘in the playroom’ by jonathan hobin (above) ‘the twins’ image © jonathan hobin

‘in the playroom’ by canadian photographer and art director jonathan hobin is a series of images that depict children reenacting major current events and headlines of our time. including major news items such as 9/11, hurricane katrina, the north korean missiles, and the jonbenét ramsey trials, the collection juxtaposes the often devastating themes with the high-spirited setting of a kid’s playroom. 

utilizing relevant props – dolls, plastic toys, stuffed animals – with bright and playful backdrops, the images are eerily innocent and unsettling in their motif. at once bold and uncomfortable, the series delineates the question of how far our current cultural climate alters and infiltrates our society. 

jonathan hobin: in the playroom ‘a boo grave’ image © jonathan hobin

jonathan hobin: in the playroom ‘dear leader’ image © jonathan hobin

jonathan hobin: in the playroom ‘boxing day’ image © jonathan hobin

jonathan hobin: in the playroom ‘vegas wedding’ image © jonathan hobin

jonathan hobin: in the playroom ‘white nights’ image © jonathan hobin

jonathan hobin: in the playroom ‘diana’s dead’ image © jonathan hobin

jonathan hobin: in the playroom ‘american idol’ image © jonathan hobin

jonathan hobin: in the playroom ’39 lashes’ image © jonathan hobin

jonathan hobin: in the playroom ‘the saints’ image © jonathan hobin

jonathan hobin: in the playroom ‘spring break’ image © jonathan hobin

jonathan hobin: in the playroom ‘seal heart’ image © jonathan hobin