In his series ‘The Real Toy Story’ photographer Michael Wolf captures the truth behind made in China stickers. The series exposes the viewer to row after row of anonymous faces, but it’s effective enough just to see that there are actual people behind the knickknacks rather than a succession of robotic machines. Interspersed within the wide shots of the factory are intimate portraits of laborers, giving even more of a human feel to the series. Though Wolf’s project is, at times, depressing, especially when you think about all the hard work these people put into their livelihood everyday without much acknowledgement, it is also eye-opening and insightful. It is through the photographer’s journalistic eye and his decision to share their faces and work environment that they are finally given some much deserved recognition. (text by my modern met)
hovercraftdoggy 
I’m torn.. I know they love their way of life, but the looks on their faces brings pain to my heart.
Amazing!
A notable project – giving faces to these people. I like it.
enlightening!
Good grief! Thank you.
real people… but reduced to automatons — very poignant & troubling
Wonderful pictures that really do tell the story. Great stuff.
Reblogged this on Annjrippin's Blog and commented:
I don’t normally reblog, but this is worth seeing, and despite everything, the photography is excllent.
Thanks for the reblog :)
Kinda reminds me of a Wes Anderson film.
Reblogged this on B.E.S.T. Arts Gallery and commented:
Sad….
Wonderful pictures. Thanks for visiting my blog and the Merry Go Round tour. Come back on Friday for a free flash fiction story.
Reblogged this on Stuart Arrowsmith.
I knew there was a reason I didn’t like Disneyland.
Beautiful and tragic, but as you said, faces now replace the anonymity- the belief that these trinkets are ‘robot-created’. fantastic story…