Sharon Lockhart’s Captivating Photographic Tableaus of Children in Natural Settings

The documentary “Windward” by Sharon Lockhart, which premiered at the New York Film Festival, captures the serene and natural beauty of Newfoundland’s Fogo Island through 12 striking tableaux. Lockhart spent three summers understanding this tight-knit community of about 2,000 residents, focusing her lens on the children who seem organically integrated into the rugged landscapes around them. The film opens with a tranquil stretch of sky and sea, gradually introducing a child at play, encouraging viewers to lose themselves in the subtle beauty and rhythms of the island.

Lockhart’s work is known for its meticulous composition and the remarkable way it portrays children, as previously seen in her 2005 “Pine Flat” series. Yet, “Windward” differs by capturing its young subjects from afar, obscuring individual identities and drawing parallels between them and their environment. This deliberate choice invites reflection on themes of connection and coexistence with nature, evoking a sense of timeless, unspoiled childhood free from modern distractions and worries.

Through these artistic reflections, Lockhart invites audiences to engage fully with the film in a theater setting, experiencing the dual sensations of feeling both diminutive and significant. “Windward” not only celebrates the interplay of human presence and natural wonder but also underscores the importance of perspective, framing, and scale in visual storytelling.

Commissioned and produced with support from Fogo Island Arts and other institutions, “Windward” stands as a testament to Lockhart’s skill in blending visual artistry with thematic depth, urging us to consider our relationship with the natural world through the eyes of its youngest inhabitants.