Photography is essential in capturing memory and as a document of social injustice, disasters and catastrophes. In 2022, I travelled to Dhaka, Bangladesh, to capture its beauty, humility, and the harsh reality of child labour. Due to poverty, children are forced to work in textile factories, welding shops, rubbish collection and domestic employment. They work 12 hours a day without a single day off for a salary of 700 takas, while an adult earns 5000.
Accepted by society because of extreme poverty, there is an ignorance of the dangers and subsequent consequences. Although laws prohibit child labour, the international human rights covenants are not respected. In this narrative, I want to show the struggle of these children, the sad reality of supporting their families, and the forged pride in doing so.
Born in Peru, Celia Ruiz de Castilla is a documentary photographer who has lived in Sydney for over twenty years. She obtained a Diploma in Photo Imaging from TAFE in 2016 and has participated in group exhibitions in Australia, Italy, and Greece. She has won the Portrait of Humanity 2021 and Behind The Lens 2016. A finalist in the Head On Photo Festival 2016, Urban dotART 2018, and Tokyo International Photo Awards 2017.
Celia travels extensively, searching out images that capture the essence of history, life, and culture.
Submit your work to be considered for solo or group exhibitions in Head On Photo Festival.
Enthralling. Enchanting. Extraordinary. Discover exceptional photography for free around Sydney during the festival 8 Nov–1 Dec 2024
