Mairo up close | Chris de Bode

Documentary | Chris de Bode

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Mairo up close with checked headscarf: 11 years

"Our village was so peaceful. There were often parties, I went to school and had friends. The day started so normally: I went to school and did my best in class. At first I thought they were just soldiers. Until they started shooting. They shot all the men in the mosque and shouted Islamic verses. They stayed in our village for a year. No one was safe. I couldn't go to school anymore, because it was closed immediately.

One day, all the women and girls were herded into the school. From 7-year-old girls to 70-year-old women. We were tied up and beaten. We were not given food or water. They beat us and threatened to kill us. Married women ignored them. Unmarried women or young widows were examined one by one and were forced to marry one of the soldiers. If you were married, you were expected to have sex with your new husband. They said they would take us to Chibok. That scared me, because I had heard about the schoolgirls who had disappeared there. That night, I climbed out of the window with 20 other girls. It was a big risk, because if you were caught, you would be killed immediately. I had no choice… I did not want to end up like one of the Chibok girls."

About the photographer

Chris de Bode is a documentary photographer. The majority of his work focuses on humanitarian issues for which he travels the world. In his work, Chris always tries to find new angles that can visualize the story. People are always at the forefront of his work, even if they are not always visible in the image. The people and situations derived from them radiate strength and vulnerability in his photos. A visual search for connection that invites us to look beyond the stereotypical image with which we so often do each other an injustice.

Chris works on commission for aid organizations, newspapers and magazines but also develops his own projects. De Bode works for the UNHCR, Aidsfonds, Save the Children, National Geographic, British Red Cross, St Vluchteling and the Guardian, among others. His work is published all over the world. Chris has won awards at World Press Photo, the Zilveren Camera, Alfred Fried Award and also several Lens Culture Portrait Awards.

About Art & Pictures

Art & Pictures Gallery is an online platform with an exhibition space in Amsterdam.

The unique composition of the collection is what sets Art & Pictures Gallery apart. We work with a very diverse group of artists and photographers. Both established names and emerging talent, from home and abroad and aged from 26 to 76! This makes our collection pleasantly versatile, also in terms of prices.

There is a choice of both original artworks and paintings as well as photography and fine art prints in limited editions. Whether you are looking for something small and personal or a large 'statement piece', the team at Art & Pictures Gallery can help and advise you to make the right choice for your home or office. We have competitive prices, various finishing options and custom solutions.