This photo series explores the widespread demand for realistic war toys and raises a provocative question: why do people who have grown up in times of peace glorify war—bringing it into their own lives and those of their children through toys? What is it about violence that captivates us? Why do we continue to romanticise war, terror, and hatred?

Opinions on war toys vary widely. Some view them as harmless or even beneficial for a child’s development. But if that were true, one might ask: why not begin such “development” in infancy?

The series juxtaposes protective and destructive elements.Children are the future of our society. They hold the potential for real, lasting change. So the question remains: what kind of world do we want to build—together?

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Pia Hertel. Born in 1987. Lives and works as a freelance photographer in Cologne. Studied photography at the University of Applied Sciences Dortmund. In her work she addresses social and political issues. She uses her strength in visual communication and the power of images to make the invisible visible, to visually clarify abstract contexts, and to create attention and awareness for important issues. Her work has received numerous awards.