TITLE: Brick Dust and Laughter

This photo series was captured during my journey through Bangladesh in 2022, inside and around a brick kiln. Amidst the harsh industrial backdrop—where the air is thick with smoke and the ground coated in red dust—I sought to document the lives of those who live and work in this unforgiving environment, particularly the children.

In this series, the contrast between the setting and the spirit of the people is striking. The brick kilns are symbols of heavy labor, pollution, and poverty. Yet within these grim surroundings, children play barefoot, run freely through clouds of dust, and share bursts of laughter that defy the bleakness around them. Their joy is raw, spontaneous, and resilient—a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to find light even in the darkest corners.

The series also touches on the difficult topic of child labor, a reality that is impossible to ignore. These children are not just playing; some are working alongside adults, helping to carry bricks or assisting in family duties within the kiln’s ecosystem. Their childhood is shaped by smoke, sweat, and survival.

Through monochrome tones, I aimed to strip away distractions and focus on expressions, textures, and the emotional weight of each moment. The lack of color mirrors the lack of choice many of these children face, while their movements and glances speak volumes about strength, resilience, and hope.

“Brick Dust and Laughter” is a tribute to those who find moments of humanity and joy even when the world around them seems built to break them.

AUTHOR: Tomas Derner (Germany)