ADVERTISEMENT

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

Add photo comments
POST
chloedrury avatar
Chloe Drury
Community Member
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.

saturnargentavis avatar
Saturn Argentavis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who the f**k needs a reminder? White ppl? Which dont live in the black neighborhoods where blacks kill one another. If black culture was better you wouldnt be pulling this s**t

Load More Replies...
santinomarazzo avatar
Santino Marazzo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Give me a break. I grew up with black people. We slept in each other's homes on the weekend. We played together. We eat together and we loved each other. So, don't give me this crap.

lifeisgood4226 avatar
Tugg Ster
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s awful that any mother has to fear losing their child... especially to bad life choices (drugs, crime, gangs, etc) —- which happens happens in astronomically higher numbers than because of any skin color. 💔

rachel_hamrick avatar
Rachel Hamrick
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Black on black crime is far more prolific than killings by police.

lauraswearingen-steadwell avatar
Aeon Flux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What’s your point, Rachel? White on white crime is also far more prolific than killings by police. So what’s your point?

Load More Replies...
mandyginsberg77 avatar
Mandy Ginsberg
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This touched me so deeply. I am white with a black son that was shot and im crying as I write this but they're also tears of joy because not only did he survive he just a baby 6 months ago. I dont know what I wouldve done if he didn't survive. Please kiss and love on your sons because you might not get the chance to later.

dianecrawford avatar
Diane Crawford
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No mother or father wants to feel the pain of losing a life especially a pain that would involve a life taken by a guardian. #BLACKLIVEMATTERS . It is said to ask the world to care about each other. There is no excuse in not caring and doing for humanity. The question I would ask myself now is why did I give birth so that the life I love ...hard to go any further...

sharronlynnparsons avatar
sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will never understand, racist people seem to hate, for no reason, but for the police, taken the life of a black person, they are full of hate, for no reason, they should read some history, learn truth of black lives, did they choose to be slaves, they have suffered and died, too long, it's time for understanding, and change, walk a mile in their shoes, if only !!!

adriangoede avatar
Adrian Goede
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just a suggestion. In stead of wasting your time manipulating the narrative, why not teach the children you claim to love so much, how to assimilate into civilized society? Teach them to act like respectful gentleman, not fools. Teach them to accept the responsibilities of an adult. Teach them to take accountability for their actions. Teach them to speak the Queen’s English. This would go a long way to keeping them out of harms way. Or... learn nothing & go on blaming everyone else for your own shortcomings.

sherry_7 avatar
Sherry
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Make your life matter. Don't have children without a father. Don't have children you can't feed and take care of. Quit blaming everyone else for your behavior

farrahgadson avatar
Farrah Gadson
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since when does not having a father or feeding your kids correlate to being killed by police. it's so normalized for rich white people to barely interact with their kids in the name of work and end up getting divorced solely because of work, how many of those people have their kids killed?

Load More Replies...
pinkrose_1 avatar
Pink Rose
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol Idk what part of crenshaw they found wit palm trees... i live in l.a 😋 if you know this spot meet me there 😂

chizzyemoney avatar
Chizzy emoney
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

i want to give thanks to God and give hope to people who are diagnosed with Hiv i never believed I will be free from Hiv takings a whole lot of drugs, going to government hospital taking drugs, but in all we are not free from the virus i kept on living with the virus for about 3 years, i suffered rejection and i was ashamed, you know Hiv there's really a cure i saw an article of various testimony online about this herbal doctor called DR Godwin i contacted him and this healer shipped me a cure i tried this and it first started with my CD4 my CD4 improved by weeks i finished the herbal medication and now am free from this virus, friends and i say again traditional remedies are the real cure, there is a cure for hiv and other disease contact this herbal doctor that cured me if you do not want to live with your virus forever his whatsapp number +2348089906968 or Email drgodwinharbs@gmail.com He also cure different diseases like Herpes Diabetes Copd Cancer Hpv hsv-1 and HSV-2 Etc Save liv 6Jb4f0DA-5...0468a.jpeg 6Jb4f0DA-5fb799310468a.jpeg

gregmartin avatar
Greg Martin
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

maybe teach your kid not ton steal or point guns atbthe cops and he may just live

melanieking avatar
Melanie King
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

The thing that annoys me is that white people get shot too, a 15 year old white girl got shot at a violent looting "protest" and i dont even know her name because no one on the news cares because she was white.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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

Jon Henry Report

Add photo comments
POST
dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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.

#4

Untitled #42, Central Los Angeles, Ca

Untitled #42, Central Los Angeles, Ca

Jon Henry Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#5

Untitled #5 Parkchester, NY

Untitled #5 Parkchester, NY

Jon Henry Report

Add photo comments
POST
klynch4 avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

Untitled #33, Jersey City, Nj

Untitled #33, Jersey City, Nj

Jon Henry Report

#7

“Untitled 48, Inglewood, Ca”

“Untitled 48, Inglewood, Ca”

Jon Henry Report

#8

Untitled #19 Magnificent Mile, Il

Untitled #19 Magnificent Mile, Il

Jon Henry Report

Add photo comments
POST
garrison_cox_1 avatar
Garrison Cox
Community Member
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/

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Untitled #25 Montgomery, Al

Untitled #25 Montgomery, Al

Jon Henry Report

#10

Untitled #55 Little Rock, Ar

Untitled #55 Little Rock, Ar

Jon Henry Report

Add photo comments
POST
ajburke424 avatar
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).

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Untitled #17 South Side Chicago, Il

Untitled #17 South Side Chicago, Il

Jon Henry Report

Add photo comments
POST
morgue_delivery avatar
Omar Pearson
Community Member
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!!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

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

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

Jon Henry Report

#13

Untitled 53, North Little Rock, Ar

Untitled 53, North Little Rock, Ar

Jon Henry Report

Add photo comments
POST
caroledeem avatar
Carole Deem
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Untitled 56, Houston Tx

Untitled 56, Houston Tx

Jon Henry Report

Add photo comments
POST
debkwebr avatar
IrishGirl
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#15

“Untitled 45, Oakland, Ca”

“Untitled 45, Oakland, Ca”

Jon Henry Report

#16

Untitled #13 Groveland Park, Il

Untitled #13 Groveland Park, Il

Jon Henry Report

#17

Untitled 51, New Orleans, La

Untitled 51, New Orleans, La

Jon Henry Report

#19

Untitled #1 Co-Op City, NY

Untitled #1 Co-Op City, NY

Jon Henry Report

Add photo comments
POST
unlimitedsun avatar
Salif C
Community Member
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 :(

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
ajburke424 avatar
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. :(

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#27

Untitled #9 Newburgh, NY

Untitled #9 Newburgh, NY

Jon Henry Report

Add photo comments
POST
caroledose-biz avatar
Carole Dose
Community Member
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.

View more commentsArrow down menu