Stephen Perloff There are several compelling essays in black and white on subjects in Asia that are rarely even mentioned here in the United States let alone reported on. It is by the thinnest of margins that I chose this one out of the others, but deservedly so as every picture is the series is striking and intense. There is directness, honesty, connection, and an unflinching recognition of the dignity of labor that is demanding and dangerous, for the most part in the service of first world countries.
Giant skeletons submerged with tireless workers intent on dismantling them, relentless like ants while attacking a sugar cube. Char Kaliganj,slum and home to one of the largest shipyards in Asia, employ around 15 thousand souls that work to both break down massive shipping vessels as well as create new ships from the parts. The age of labourers ranges from 8 to 80 and they all work together. The work is crude and dangerous but it gives thousands of them employment.Children are missing out on formal education, but there aren’t any other options other than work for money and help their families.
