Photographer Julian Germaine began this amazing series in 2004, and since then has captured classrooms in Brazil, Russia, the US, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Japan… and many, many more. Over 450 portraits of school children reveal vast cultural differences and poignant human similarities. There’s always the coy girl, a rebellious twinkle in her eye — whether she’s wearing a festive sweater, a hijab, or a unisex mechanics jumpsuit. There’s always the introvert, slumping out of the frame, retreating into a daydream, whether in a packed kindergarten playroom or a prim lecture hall. There’s always the gang in the back, brimming with unsettled anticipation… or are we projecting? Maybe. But really, it’s a fascinating project. Take an international tour with a slideshow of images from the Classroom Portraits series, as spotted by Brain Pickings, and experience nostalgia for a time when you too were a school-age kid.
Image: Julian Germain. England, Erith, Year 10, English
Image: Julian Germain. Cuba, Havana, Playa, Year 9, national television screening of film Can Gamba (about Cuban participation in Angolan Revolution)
Image: Julian Germain. Nigeria, Kano, Ooron Dutse, Senior Islamic Secondary Level 2, Social Studies
Image: Julian Germain. Peru, Cusco, Primary Grade 4, Mathematics
Image: Julian Germain. England, Seaham, Reception and Year 1, Structured Play
Image: Julian Germain. Tokyo, Japan, Grade 5, Classical Japanese
Image: Julian Germain. USA, Oklahoma, Avant, Grade 4 & 5 Social Sciences
Image: Julian Germain. USA, St Louis, Grade 4 & 5, Geography
Image: Julian Germain. Taiwan, Ruei Fang Township, Kindergarten, Art
Image: Julian Germain. The Netherlands, Rotterdam, Secondary Group 3, Motor Mechanics