THE KINGDOM
by Aidan O’Neill
New limited edition book and exhibition of photographs in aid of mothers2mothers
Over the duration of his stay, what had originally begun as a document of the charity’s work grew to become a rounded, insightful and beautiful portrait of a country living with the highest prevalence of this heartbreaking disease, in the world.
These photographs, exhibited this spring in London at Bermondsey Project Space, are also part of a new, limited edition book entitled The Kingdom.
In the book, O’Neill, explores the myriad ways that infection at this scale can impact a nation as a whole, creating a window into the everyday lives of the Swazi people dealing with this issue.
From families marking the graves of their lost children, to communities finding respite and camaraderie through local football leagues... From a young boy breaking into play during a hard session of tree-felling, to another at school, where every child should be... O’Neill’s images remind us that these shocking statistics actually represent individuals, families, neighbourhoods, communities - people.
“The Kingdom is a collection of images of the people and places who graciously allowed me a look into their lives. The proceeds from the book and forthcoming exhibition all go to mothers2mothers. While there I offered my services to projects that needed them. These touched on travelling clinics, sustainable farming, a community football team, and raising 3,500€ in-country to support a food drive for victims of the El Niño rains.”
100% of profits made from the sale of prints and the book will be donated to mothers2mothers, to support their projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, where their goal is to eliminate the transmission of HIV from mother to child, and create healthy families.
Effective and inexpensive medical interventions are available that can keep mothers and babies healthy. Without these, up to 40% of infants born to HIV-positive mothers will contract the virus. With treatment, that number can be reduced to 1.6%.
Through The Kingdom and his recently founded not-for-profit organisation Art Aid, Aidan hopes to help mothers2mothers fulfill their ambition to see an HIV free generation in the near future.
“Aidan’s support has been incredible for us. His stunning images show how moved he has been by the people he met. We are so grateful for his support and passion for mothers2mothers.”
All funds raised will go directly to mothers2mothers
charity Nº 1119721
Prints and book will be available can be purchased online at:
“I was on a site visit with m2m during the Cycle to Zero. A tiny girl of about 4 years old had just tested positive for HIV. It was the first time I got to see the reality of someone receiving a diagnosis. She was just a child - she looked stunted, as though she was underdeveloped for her age - and she would have to bear the weight of living with HIV. That moment stayed with me.”