Seltmann + Söhne presents Jan Banning - Comfort Women. Portraits of war affected women; book and exhibition in Rotterdam

The rape of women appears to be a normal by-product of wars. During WWII, the Japanese military even set up a system for this type of sexual slavery.

In Asia, tens of thousands of so-called ‘Comfort Women’ were forced into prostitution in military brothels. Many girls were also sexually abused night by night in train carriages, factory warehouses and at home. These women suffer from the physical and psychological consequences for a lifetime.

Photographer Jan Banning and author Hilde Janssen visited women who fell victim to sexual violence and were forced into prostitution during WWII. In ‘Comfort Women’ the book, 18 of them speak out about the subject for the first time – despite the withstanding taboo.

In the book, their portraits are juxtaposed with Japanese war propaganda posters and both sides are explored. Documentary filmmaker Frank van Osch accompanied the duo on their travels to Indonesia.

The publication is limited to 1,500 copies and can be ordered from Seltmann+Söhne now. The fine art printers will also be available for a personal chat at the UPdate on 14 May.

Jan Banning was born to Dutch-Indian parents in 1954. His ‘Bureaucratics’ book and exhibition was met with worldwide acclaim. He has received countless awards including the World Press Photo Award. The Kunsthal in Rotterdam presents the impressive portraits in a touching exhibition until the end of August.


Jan Banning - Comfort Women

Book
Publisher: Seltmann+Söhne
Author: Hilde Janssen
128 pages, 24 colour images
Languages: English & Dutch

Exhibition
Kunsthal
Museumpark, Westzeedijk 341, Rotterdam
until 27 August 2010