 |
 |
 |
The
Goodwill Ambassadors of UNICEF Belgium
UNICEF was founded as a European relief organization
in order to help the children whose lives were disrupted by
World War II. By 1953, most of the post war relief work was
done. In search of a new approach, UNICEF established in 1954
its International Goodwill Ambassador Program. Danny Kaye pioneered
the position and brought humour into the otherwise tragic images
of suffering children. Peter Ustinov and Audrey Hepburn joined
him in his quest for children's rights.
Belgium, too, has its Goodwill Ambassadors. Julie Brown's idea,
to unite all of these ambassadors' dreams and ideas in an inspirational
book, was unique for UNICEF. Julie asked me to join the UNICEF
book project by making portraits during her interviews.
I chose to work in black and white. It had the advantage that
I could step away from the usual glossy image these celebrities
have in the media. The length and the intensity of each interview
gave me the time to observe well and strike at the right moment.
|
|
When I look back at these portraits I
see passionate people who use their influence to open the
minds of others who live in an economically privileged part
of the world. They share a common desire to address global
human tragedies by bringing attention to them.
|
|
 |
