Mario Leal
Steve McCurry, "Yanesha, Peru"
2004
This picture was taken by Steve McCurry, a magnum photographer who has done work for National Geographic in many developing countries. In finding this photograph I was truly surprised because at first glance the gun looked real. After doing some research I discovered that the child was found crying on the side of the road in a village in Peru. The child was crying because some of the older children were tormenting him. It led him to raise the toy gun to his head. Its a scary thought to believe that something so simple could bring about such a reaction in a child. The elements in this photograph are really about contrasts. Every difference magnifies the effect of its opposite. The black stands out to the white. The white stands out to the black. The blue paint on the wall matches the boys worn out spiderman graphic. Steve McCurry sharpens the boys eyes making the audience feel his sorrow.
