This is a book of images ? visual likenesses of young men and women; impressions of these growing people's lives in their own words; visions of what they imagine, fear, and hope the world might be for them. Each of the photographs and statements that Latana has collected for this book presents a young person's life gathered into the expression of a single, embodied moment, and each statement provides the terms according to which that particular young person chose to name and locate him ? or herself in the world. Latana photographed the young people half dressed and against a black background, removing part of their clothing or exterior, in an effort to get at the essence of who they are. When that approach was not possible, she strove to evoke that essence by focusing on the intimacy of their eyes. When we look at these faces and read their words, we are looking at the future of humanity ? beauty, strength, vulnerability embodied. These youths ask us to read carefully what they have to tell us about themselves and ourselves, about the world they perceive and the world they desire ? to consider carefully what the images tell and ask of us. ILLUSTRATIONS: 30 colour l100 b/w photographs
