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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

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Chloe Drury
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3 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."

#2

Stranger Fruit By Jon Henry

Stranger Fruit By Jon Henry

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Daria B
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3 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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#4

Untitled #42, Central Los Angeles, Ca

Untitled #42, Central Los Angeles, Ca

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#5

Untitled #5 Parkchester, NY

Untitled #5 Parkchester, NY

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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
3 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

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#7

“Untitled 48, Inglewood, Ca”

“Untitled 48, Inglewood, Ca”

Jon Henry Report

#8

Untitled #19 Magnificent Mile, Il

Untitled #19 Magnificent Mile, Il

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Garrison Cox
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3 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
3 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
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3 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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#13

Untitled 53, North Little Rock, Ar

Untitled 53, North Little Rock, Ar

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Carole Deem
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3 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
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3 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

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#19

Untitled #1 Co-Op City, NY

Untitled #1 Co-Op City, NY

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Salif C
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3 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

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#21

Untitled #24 Birmingham, Al

Untitled #24 Birmingham, Al

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#23

Stranger Fruit By Jon Henry

Stranger Fruit By Jon Henry

Jon Henry Report

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Jamma
Community Member
3 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
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3 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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