Sunday, December 28, 2008

The Power of Photograph!


Marno and his family live on the side of a train track. On the night of July 16th 1992, his left arm and leg were cut off by a train. Since the accident, all he can do is beg for money at the traffic light in the busy Jakarta. But, it all changed in 1998.

For People in Jakarta and Indonesia in general, 1998 was the year they wanted to forget. But, it's not the case with Marno and his family. 1998 was the year Marno met James Nachtwey, the photojournalist. James Nachtwey spent a month in the life of Marno and his family, documenting the life of a man without his left arm and left leg. The series of this photograph went worldwide and attracting many eyes and heart. And now, 10 years later, he is still living by begging for money, even though he receives money from James Nachtwey every month.

"The money from James is not enough in this condition, not with my six children. James told me not to let my children beg money at the traffic light, that's why even with this condition I beg for my children and my family," Marno said. Marno and family are still living on the side of a train track, only five meters from where the accident happened.

This is what life looks like 10 years later. He used to be the object, but now he is the subject.

4 comments:

Karolus Naga said...

I never know that James sends him money every month ... thanks for the info mate !

oh yeah ... congrats for the graduation !!

Kuli Tinta said...

even i was amazed when he told me that. pas gw tanya dia kenal james nachtwey apa engga, dia langsung jawab "oh itu bapak angkat saya". I was really shocked when he said that. And i went there with my australian photographer friend, and he's also amazed with the story. Have you ever met him?

Karolus Naga said...

blast !! ... ekslusif buat JN ... sialan. beruntung lu bisa moto dia 8->

Anonymous said...

hey, nice shot..
i've planned to take pictures like these, but, 'til now, i can't realize it..
thx to you to give me some inspiration..


well, don't forget to visit my blog..

 
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