These photographs by Paris-based photographer Julien Mauve combine nostalgia with everyday adult living. After discovering an old box of toys in his grandparents’ attic, Mauve was inspired to bring his old memories to life through modern day, adult interactions with the items. He says, “Going further than their power to generate nostalgia, toys offer those who animate them a marvelous power to reinvent the world.”
Through these gorgeous Back to Childhood scenes, Mauve sparks a certain nostalgic memory for all of his viewers. As adults, it becomes customary to pack away your toys and live in the ‘grown-up’ world. But inside every one of us is that kid who, every once in a while, just wants to run around and play. He says about the toys, “Each of them reminded me of a particular moment of my childhood and I felt emotionally connected to them.” Just because we’ve grown up doesn’t mean we don’t still like to sometimes play Twister or color with crayons!
I think my favorite image is the Where’s Waldo photograph. It’s such a subtle reference and took me a moment to figure out, but once I realized I was looking for that red and white striped tee shirt in the crowd, I was pleasantly surprised!
