"In January 2023, I visited my homeland of Thailand to live in the refugee camp where I spent my childhood. These photographs capture experiences of the life of Karen people at Mae La camp on the border of Burma and Thailand. From attending school to witnessing their daily routine, I lived the first thirty days of 2023 intimately with the community that I left when I was eight years old. Due to ethnic cleansing and corrupted Burmese military, these people had no choice but to flee from their homes and the lives that they knew.
The people in my photographs were not posing for me, they were genuinely happy and smiling all of the time. They make the best out of everything they have and their simple lifestyle, from growing organic food to well water, to learning lessons on dirt floors, they continuously see the beauty in life without freedom and with limited resources.
As I reflect on what my people go through and still manage to smile and be grateful, I realize I was taught many great life lessons. This experience taught me how to be humble and appreciate the little things in life and I hope these photographs inspire others to reflect on their lives and appreciate what they have.
So, I ask you, how can you make a difference through tolerance and gratitude in your own life and help others?"
Kevin Carter