With a Sense of W. Eugene Smith, Andre Hermann’s Images Will Touch You
It’s a bold statement to compare someone to W. Eugene Smith. But when Andre Hermann brought his work to the reviewing table at the Academy of Art, and showed his 10 images, I was emotionally sucker punched.
It was not just the situation of the subject, Garrett, it was the way his story was told.
With an intimacy, a story and heart. A classic journalistic approach.
The photographs are reminiscent of the Minamata photographs of William Eugene Smith and the situation that was being revealed of the mercury poisoning in Japan. We didn’t know much about the mercury poisoning either, as we are uninformed about EB. This photo journalistic rising star has reached deep into himself and brought out a story which, when viewed in full, will leave you drained. Don’t know the last time I was so moved by a set of photographs.
Andre Hermann
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[photopress:garrett_cover.jpg,full,centered]
This photo essay of (10) matted 13.5×16 photographs tells the story of an 11-year old boy named Garrett, his family and the challenges of everyday life they face because of a crippling disease. He was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), (pronounced Epi-derm-o-ly-sis Bull-o-sa,) a genetic skin disorder in which his body does not produce the protein that helps to anchor the layers of skin together resulting in blistering, and large patches of deep tissue erosion.
Through Garrett and his family, I will attempt to give a face to this horrific, and unpublicized disease. People need to see, and be aware of this disease, the profound struggles that it creates, how it affects children as individuals, and the family as a whole. Short life spans (parents outliving their children), constant pain, suffering and exorbitant medical bills make for an extremely tough but manageable life.
NOTE: It is important when viewing these photos not to mistake Garrett for a burn victim. People with EB could only wish to be that lucky. In the case of EB victims there is no light at the end of the tunnel in regards to recovery.
[photopress:garrett1.jpg,full,centered]© Andre Hermann
Here is a short video with more images.
Andre can be contacted through his website, or email :studio@andrehermannphoto.com
And he is only at the midpoint of his Academy of Art education.
Next up, one more students work. It was a fruitful day.
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Thanks for posting this. My son also has EB and Garrett is his best friend.
God Bless,
Silvia
thanks for sharing….
His work is really nice! It is also nice to be aware of that disease- very saddening.
my grandaughter Dona age 20, has the same EB. thanks for making this more aware of the illness as people always think she has been a burn victim.
God Bless you Garret. We also feel your pain.
Thank you for sharing this… Like Garrett, my almost 15 year old son has EB. Beautiful pictures – they show what it\’s like to have EB.
Thank you for helping to promote awareness of this disease. Our granddaughter died of this condition at the age of 7 months. Until her birth, we had never heard of the disorder.
Lorraine,
You and Garret are an inspiration. I will forever treasure meeting you and will be eternally grateful for your help with Kyle and Zack.
Love
Sue
ps… I loved the pictures!
Thank you for the beautiful and sensitive photographs. I wish I could see them in person…Our daughter, Olivia, was born with EB 3 and a half years ago, and she passed away before she was two months old. Children with EB have very special spirits, and Garrett, I can see this special strength in your eyes. Blessings to you and your family. I hope many people continue to learn about EB!
To see the eyes of a child with EB is to see into their soul. Thank you for all the awarness. My 6 year old daughter Grace had RDEB. They all have the same eyes. We pray for Garret and all the butterfly children everyday. Someday we pray that the pain and itch will stop!
Its hard to believe Garret is 11. It seems like yesterday he was just a infant. What a special boy he is and what a great family you are! Garret is one of Heavenly fathers valiant spirits (in fact ALL of your children are) I feel blessed that you are all a part of my life. EB is a terrible disease that has left a large foot print on my heart. Lorraine you are an amazing woman that has done so much to promote EB awareness and to help others…
Love,
Cathy