Anthony Asael on the Art in All of Us
November 15, 2011
Anthony Asael works everywhere. Along with Stephanie Rabemiafara, he helms Art in All of Us, a not-for-profit organization that promotes tolerance among cultures through art and creative expression. The organization is active in all 192 United Nations member countries, where it enriches the creative lives of children.
Anthony and Stephanie’s latest book, Children of the World, combines photographs of children around the world with the children’s own artwork to create an illuminating, truly global vision of childhood and creativity.
We managed to get in touch with Anthony somewhere between Tibet and Thailand.
CORBIS: Can you describe the difference between children and adults as photographic subjects?
ANTHONY: Children are more spontaneous and creative. They are not scared to be “ridiculous”. When I photograph adults, I try to talk about their childhood and then they forget fast about their formal adult way.
CORBIS: In your opinion, why is a photograph such a powerful art form?
ANTHONY: Photography is a more than just a click or a moment. The photographer can express himself creatively and so can the “model”. Then it is the turn of the viewer to interpret the photograph his way, trying to understand or imagine the story behind the image. The most powerful photographs are the one who can tell tens or hundreds of stories by capturing a moment of life or an emotion.
CORBIS: What was your favorite location to shoot?
ANTHONY: Hard question. After visiting 192 countries and teaching photography to more than 50,000 children, it is very hard to pick a place. However, if I have to pick one please, I think I would choose Madagascar. People have still a very friendly and genuine attitude towards photography. It is really a pleasure to work there. As a matter of fact, I am heading there in a couple of weeks.
CORBIS: What was your most challenging location to shoot?
ANTHONY: Definitely North Korea. It took me two and a half years to receive the authorization from the government to do my work in a local public school. I was closely monitored but very surprised by the fact that I was not censored in any way. The children could also ask the questions that they wanted during our sessions and we had some fascinating creative discussions. One month after our activity, the government called me back and they organized for the first time a nationwide art contest wherein the winner’s artwork is published in our book.
CORBIS: Where do you see Art in All of Us 10 years from now?
ANTHONY: Our mission is to promote tolerance and cultural exchanges using photograph and art as a communication tool. Everyday we have more schools adhering to our activities. Sometimes old students write to us and tell us how our visit was important in the rest of their school life. We hope that those students will be able to “educate” their children, their parents and friends in the same way. I am conscious that we cannot change the world, and I know that there still a huge amount of work to do.
Yesterday, I met a German girl in a train in Thailand. She never heard about Belgium, my home country – and we are neighboring countries. However, every small step can help to make many life better. As Gandhi said “be the change you want to see in the world”. AiA will continue to follow this philosophy.
See all Anthony Asael’s work at Corbis
Visit the Art in All of Us website
Find out more about the Art in All of Us project.
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