Bénédicte Desrus

Documentary Photographer + Photojournalist

www.benedictedesrus.com

When I grow up

Location: Mérida, Mexico

Nationality: French

Biography: Bénédicte Desrus is a documentary photographer based in Mexico. She is represented by Sipa Press USA and has worked throughout Europe, East Africa, the United States and Latin America. She focuses on humanitarian... read on

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Thiago playing alone on a pile of gravel during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 1, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago taking a live class online to continue his homeschool during the third week of school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on March 31, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He keeps saying that he misses his school, his teacher Lise and his friends." Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago playing on a swing in an empty playground due to COVID-19 pandemic in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on March 24, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus explains, "It’s hard to explain to a child of his age why there is now no one playing on this playground and why he has to social distance from others." Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago just waking up after a nap on his hammock during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on March 29, 2020. Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago looking out of the window at palm trees during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on March 28, 2020. Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago looking at himself on the mirror as his head was partially shaved by his father during their confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 4, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "The whole family decide to shave their heads as a way to remember what we lived through in the future." "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago playing in the sunlight with his toy monkey during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 11, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago relaxing in an inflatable pool with his father during their confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 6, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus explains, "This pool means a lot for a child used to play outside with his friends and brings him freshness as its 42 degrees Celsius outside." "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago doing an exercise for school during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 6, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago floating in his inflatable pool during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 15, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago lies on a concrete porch next to chalk traces of the outline of his hands made with the help of his father during their confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 21, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago sitting on his two-wheeled scooter in an empty structure due to the COVID-19 pandemic in his neighborhood in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 7, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "It’s hard to explain to a child of his age why there is now no one playing on this playground and why he has to social distance from others." "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago jumping in his inflatable pool during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 16, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus explains, "This pool means a lot for a child used to play outside with his friends and brings him freshness as its 42 degrees Celsius outside." "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago refreshing himself with water during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 19, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago, with his father, looking at his neighbors swimming in their pool from the rooftop during their confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 15, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago is consoled by his father as he cries as bedtime neared during their confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 25, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago finger paints designs on his tummy after covering himself with body lotion during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on May 1, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He has barely seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago looking out the window as he does an exercise during homeschooling with his father during their confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 15, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He keeps saying that he misses his school, his teacher Lise, and his friends… For us, becoming teachers overnight without any preparation has been quite a challenge but luckily we are receiving great guidance from his teacher. Thiago has a 40 minutes class online 5 days a week.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago plays draped in mosquito netting after accidentally pulling it down during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on April 24, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He hasn't seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago mirrors his father’s yoga position during their confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on May 1, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He has barely seen another child for weeks now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago is wearing a mask during a virtual meeting on Zoom with his classmates and teachers, to celebrate the end of the school year during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on July 3, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He has barely seen another child for months now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago lies down on his two-wheeled scooter during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a temporary home in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico on May 18, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He has barely seen another child for months now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago and his father read a book before bedtime during their confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at their home in Mexico City, Mexico on July 6, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He has barely seen another child for months now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 3-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago draws on the floor while playing alone under plastic chairs during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at his home in Mexico City, Mexico on December 20, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He has barely seen another child for months now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 4-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago sprays his father’s hair with water while getting a haircut from a friend during their confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at their home in Mexico City, Mexico on December 23, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He has barely seen another child for months now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 4-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago dances among moving boxes and suitcases in his living room during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at his home in Mexico City, Mexico on December 27, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He has barely seen another child for months now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 4-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago watches a cartoon in his empty bedroom one day before moving to another home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico City, Mexico on December 28, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He has barely seen another child for months now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 4-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago sings in the bathtub while his eyes are covered with a sleep mask during his confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic at his home in Mexico City, Mexico on December 27, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He has barely seen another child for months now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 4-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Thiago eats tacos with his father on an improvised dinner table made out of a cardboard box the night before moving to another home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico City, Mexico on December 28, 2020. Photographer Bénédicte Desrus says, "With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He has barely seen another child for months now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.” Thiago, 4-years-old, is the son of the photographer. He was documented as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Public Story

When I grow up

Credits: bénédicte desrus

Date of Work: 03/20/20 - Ongoing

Updated: 03/04/21

Location: Mexico

Archived as: Childhood, Children, Confinement, Documentary, Education, Emotion, Essays, Family, Friends + Family, Globalization, Homeschooling, Interior, Isolation, Latin America, Lockdown, Mexico, Parenting & Family, Photography, Photojournalism, Portraiture, Quarantine, Spotlight

When I Grow up

For one year, I photographed my 4-year-old son Thiago, as part of a project titled “When I grow up” about a child growing up in isolation, away from other children and the outside world, during the coronavirus pandemic.

"With this pandemic and his school closed, my son is experiencing big changes. He has barely seen another child for months now. I wonder what the psychological effects of social distancing will have on him during his formative years and how he will remember this time in the future.”