Michael Wolf's Photos Tell You The "Real Toy Story" Behind Chinese Factories
Most of us never think about who, what, or how our various materials are made. "Made in China" some toys read, but what does that mean? Who are the people behind these items?
Those are the kinds of question German photographer Michael Wolf wanted to answer with this photographer series entitled The Real Toy Story, giving insight and a new perspective on the conditions and lives of factory workers located in China.
Approximately 75% of all toys are made in China while the works get paid a measly $250 usd a month. As the demands of toys increase, so does the requirement of the Chinese factory workers.
What we discover is something a little depressing and heartbreaking. Chinese workers are surrounded by a mountain, almost infinite-looking amount, of toy parts, showing the never-ending task of constructing whole toys with diligent, precise hands.
We're ultimately faced with rows and rows of anonymous Chinese workers, meticulously and restlessly constructing toys for millions of kids around the world. As they slavishly work, they sleep or take naps under their worktables, as they can work up to 16 hours a day. The work isn't only meant to sadden the viewer, though. Instead, it creates awareness and knowledge.
To help display his photos, he constructed an awe- inspiring installation constructed of 16,000 secondhand toys Wolf purchased from flea markets in California. All of these toys were shipped to his Hong Kong studio, where each individual toy was sanded so a magnet could be attached. In total, it took three people 30 hours over three days to construct the gallery.
To see more of his work, check out the photos below.
(via Michael Wolf.)
(via Michael Wolf.)
(via Michael Wolf.)
