© Martin Bogren from the series 'Tractor Boys'
The images of "Tractor Boys" were taken in Sweden between 2011 and 2012. Teenagers, intent on doing what teenagers should do. Dreaming, hanging around, flirting. Somehow keep playing with the fact that life doesn't end there, where the adults are. But something always pushes kids to imitate grown-ups, like souping up cars' engines and scooters. Here we are faced with an old practice that allows converting old vehicles into tractors or driving without a license.
© 'Tractor Boys' by Martin Bogren, published Dewi Lewis 2013
© 'Tractor Boys' by Martin Bogren, published Dewi Lewis 2013
© 'Tractor Boys' by Martin Bogren, published Dewi Lewis 2013
© 'Tractor Boys' by Martin Bogren, published Dewi Lewis 2013
These by Martin Bogren are voracious shots aiming at capturing the scent of the lost age among the looks and poses of teenagers. Because that healthy naivety never comes back, and when it does, it looks awkward and sometimes awful. Some remain trapped in adolescence; most get out of it and forget quickly like the swipes left on the asphalt by bold maneuvers in Volvo.
© Martin Bogren from the series 'Tractor Boys'
Yet, there is something worth recognizing in that seemingly insignificant suburb of Scandinavia. A desire for cohesion, to feel part of something somehow, though it might look like a bubble ready to burst at any moment and to betray all expectations.
© 'Tractor Boys' by Martin Bogren, published Dewi Lewis 2013
© 'Tractor Boys' by Martin Bogren, published Dewi Lewis 2013
© 'Tractor Boys' by Martin Bogren, published Dewi Lewis 2013
At the pier of life, waiting for the race that will take us away from friendships, rebellions, misunderstandings, starry nights, and perhaps from ourselves; there on that platform that sways uncertainly in the sea of time, there is something inexplicable, not to waste. In these still innocent and genuine faces, already shrewd and curiously clever, there is life in all its cruel and magnificent illusion. Right there and before each one goes adrift, chasing a certainty.
© Martin Bogren from the series 'Tractor Boys'
© Martin Bogren from the series 'Tractor Boys'
© 'Tractor Boys' by Martin Bogren, published Dewi Lewis 2013
Adolescence as a photograph guarantees the illusion of being masters of the time. Also, in Skane. A small county, a southern offshoot of the Swedish peninsula, overlooking the Baltic Sea. A little farther on is Denmark. But that doesn't matter. Life remains an unanswered question.
© 'Tractor Boys' by Martin Bogren, published Dewi Lewis 2013
© 'Tractor Boys' by Martin Bogren, published Dewi Lewis 2013
© 'Tractor Boys' by Martin Bogren, published Dewi Lewis 2013
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