When I think of children, I think cute. I think flushed cheeks. Happy smiles. Tiny fingers. But maybe this is completely unusual; it’s hard not to come to that conclusion with the disturbing amount of bizarre and abnormal child portrayals created and still being created.
Whether it’s a photo collection depicting kids as dolls, or glamor shots of child ‘beauty queens,’ there’s no question that children are being put in the spotlight in ways they really shouldn’t be. Judge for yourself by clicking through this cluster of subversive child portrayals.
19 Subversive Child Portrayals
18
Children as Dolls
Eerie Dramatic Photography
17
Children's Nightmare Photography (UPDATE)
Scary Work by Joshua Hoffine
16
Children as Mini Adults
Anna Skladmann Portrays Elite Russian Kids in Provactive Poses
15
Angry Baby Memes
Photoshoppers Go Crazy Over Incensed Infant
14
Child Beauty Pageants
'High Glitz' by Susan Anderson Gives a Glimpse of Pint-Sized Glamor
13
Vampire Child Photography
Toystory By Oleg Duryagin Inspired by Twilight?
12
Creepy Kidtography
'Madura Inocencia' by Nora Lezano is Addams Family-Approved
11
Lifelike Robot Children
Repliee R-1
10
Capturing Stunned Kids
Kyriakos' 'Blue Mantle' is Full of Frightened Faces
9
Kids as Dolls
'The Puppet Show' by Winkler + Noah Points Out Bad Parenting
8
Human Dolls
Haunting Photo Interpretations of Beautiful Children
7
Fierce Child Portraits
Per Amy Guip, These Kids Are More Badass Than Their Parents
6
Soft Sculpted Creatures
Cottonwool Baby Studio Creations Are One of a Kind
5
Emotive Kidtography
Julie Rey's Pint-Sized ‘People' Portraits
4
Surreal Child Sculptures
Gehard Demetz Portrays Kids in his Unique Creations
3
Warped Emo Kids
'Canvas' by Stamatis Laskos Features Disproportionate Portraits
2
Micro Angels and Beehives
Vee Speer's 'The Birthday Party' Captures Dressed Up Children
1
Children Zombie Killer Ads
Fantastic Fest Reimagines the Zombie Genre With a Creative Commercial
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Converse and Coraline Join Forces on a Special Collection
Cat-Inspired Camera Collections
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Distorted Furniture Street Art
Alex Chinneck Designs the Surrealism First Kiss at Last Light
Oversized Designer Kidswear
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Vibrant Retro Tech Collections
The Retrospekt x Miffy Collection Features Illustrious Devices
AI-Generated Real-World Transformations
AI-Artist Who Gives a Unique Design to Real Objects
Miniaturized Doll Collections
The Mini BarbieLand Collection Makes Playing Portable
Doll-Inspired Movie Launches
Mattel Plans to Release More Movies Following 'Barbie's' Success
Kid-Powered Imagination Campaigns
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Cartoon-Inspired Digital Watches
Casio and Powerpuff Girls Unveils a New Baby-G Watch
Glamorous Cherry Perfumes
Sabrina Carpenter's Cherry Baby Fragrance is Sophisticated and Sweet
Statement Street Art
Alex Chinneck’s Surreal Street Art Transforms Bristol's Urban Landscape
Youth Beauty Boutiques
Hamleys Boutique: Be You is an Inspiring Space for Kids Ages Four to 14
Eco-Friendly Bath Essentials
Bebo Seeks to Reimagine the Packaging of Kid's Bath Products
Charitable Underwater Photographs
Christy Lee Rogers Contributes to the Nature Conservancy
Cinematic Stop-Motion Sneakers
The Converse x Coraline Collection Pays Homage to the Film
Blurry Abstract Photography Exhibits
Hiroshi Sugimoto Displays the Optical Allusion Exhibition
Playful Modern Art Shows
Brent Estabrook Debuts 'Storytime' at the Maddox Gallery in Switzerland
Spooky Charming Pet Portraits
Crown & Paw Unveils Spooky Halloween Collection to Showcase Pets
Comic Strip Milk Bottles
Seki Milk Created Artful Bottle Designs to Encourage Dairy Consumption
Reimagined Toy Block Designs
The LEGO Lofi Girl Reimagines the Iconic Musical Icon
Kidult Baby Shoes
MSCHF's Super Baby Collection Supersizes Chunky, Colorful Footwear
Miniature Endearing Souvenir Capsules
The Little Ghibili Museum Capsule Has Adorable Souvenies
Rediscovered Iconic Masterpieces
A Long-Lost Work from Gustav Klimt Will Embark on a Global Tour
Kaleidoscopic Kindergarten Buildings
The Tianshui Kindergarten by SAKO Architects is Whimsical
Unretouched Photography Books
Dove Reimagine Beauty Celebrates Authentic Representation
Kid-Safe Makeup Kits
Jovy Makes EWG VERIFIED Makeup with Plant-Based Ingredients for Play
Artist-Backed Album Figurines
The Weeknd Launches a 'Kiss Land' Toy Collection with Superplastic
Do-Good Metaverse Campaigns
Comic Relief US and Nickelodeon Empower Kids in Roblox and Beyond
Playful Restaurant Pop-Ups
The Play-Doh Restaurant of Imagination Turns Kids' Creations Edible
Streetwear Experimental Kids Capsules
The Ksubi 'Kids' Collection Arrives Ahead of the Holidays
Psychedelic Sculptural Art Installations
The Frank Stella: Recent Sculpture Exhibition Opens in NY
Early Development Toys
Spin Master Collaborated on the Educational Ms. Rachel Collection
Sexuality-Exploring Artful Exhibitions
Faye Toogood Explores Sensuality with the Rude Arts Club
Collectable Pet Metaverses
Littlest Pet Shop is Reaching a New Generation of Collectors on Roblox
Runway-Inspired Fashion Dolls
New York Fashion Week Designs Inspire the L.U.V. Fashion Doll Styles
Family-Friendly Interactive Museums
LEGO's Superpower Studios is Devoted to Hands-On Play
Doll-Inspired Coffee Table Books
Assouline Creates the New Barbie Coffee Table Book
Horror-Inspired Holiday Capsules
HUGO x Tim Burton Debut The Nightmare Before Christmas Merch
Kid-Friendly Beauty Events
Beauty Explorer Day Sparks Kids' Interest in the Beauty Industry
Surrealist Phone Cases
The Salvador Dalí x CASETiFY Collab Elevates Everyday Accessories into Art
Vibrant Children's Fall Fashion
nununu Recently Launched Its Fall 2023 Capsule & Its Eye-Catching
Designer-Led Nostalgic Capsules
Daniel Arsham & Dr. Seuss Enterprises Delight Kids & Grown-Ups
Electronic 3D Book Concepts
The bbook Concept is Designed for the Visually Impaired
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Retro Doll-Themed Cameras
Retrospekt's Barbie Film Camera Collection is Nostalgically Vibrant
Confident Smile Campaigns
Aquafresh's New Oral Health Campaign Boosts Children’s Dental Confidence
Transformative AI Art
Transform Kids' Drawings into Colorful Animated Artworks with Drawings Alive
Horror-Themed Overnight Experiences
The Warner Bros Icons of Horror Sees Iconic Wax Figures
Show-Inspired Collectible Dolls
Netflix and Mattel Introduces Squid Game Collectibles
Animation-Inspired Collaborative Streetwear
Highsnobiety Presents a Special Pixar Collection
Kids' Money Management Books
'The Adventures of Ca$hman & Supersaver' Promotes Financial Awareness
Experimental Denim Collections
The Ksubi Fall 2023 'Youtopia' Collection is Modern Art-Inspired
Self-Esteem Promoting Plushies
Bigfoot Kin Teaches Children How to Love Themselves
Pop Art Legend-Honoring Dolls
Mattel Creations Celebrates Keiichi Tanaami with Whimsical Designs
Collaborative Streetstyle Furniture
Lovesac x KidSuper Blends Edgy Style and Home Comfort
Perception-Challenging Art Exhibitions
Raise the Moral Studio Presents the Becoming Familiar Show
Children-Catered Luxe Festive Collections
The New Louis Vuitton Holiday Capsule is Made for Kids
Vibrant Artist Pop-Up Books
Poposition Press Brings Life to the Keith Haring Pop-Up Book
Cartoon Character Themed Cakes
TOUS les JOURS is Adding a New Baby Shark Cake Collection
Fuzzy Musical Collectibles
Furblets are Interactive Toys That Introduce Furby to a New Generation
Book-Themed Collectibles
Booksy's Tiny Books & Figures Inspire a Love of Reading in Kids
Artful Travel-Inspired Children's Fashion
Janie and Jack Team Up with Photographer Gray Malin
Imaginative Mushroom Lamps
White Rabbit England's Toadstool Lamp is Hand-Crafted and Whimsical
Brand-Led Global Studies
The LEGO Group Conducted a Study That May Inform Market Decisions
Burgeoning Psychedelic Art Movements
The Chambers Project/PACT Embrace the Psychedelic Movement
Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books
New Society Hosts 'Decentralization, Please Save Culture' Event
Sci-Fi Skincare Vessels
SpoiledChild x Jeremy Scott Launched a Rocket-Shaped Collectible
Unconventional Holiday Campaigns
Chloe Surreal X Sundae School's Holiday Campaign Challenges Norms
Cringe-Worthy Photo Campaigns
Sour Patch Kids is Challenging Fans to Choose "Cringe or Candy"
Historical Humankind Coffee Books
Hungry Minds Presents The Book to Nurture Childlike Curiousity
Socialite-Inspired Toy Dolls
Bratz Adds New Red Carpet Styles to its Kylie Jenner Collection
Retro Family Photoshoots
Blue Bunny is Inviting Families to Pop-Up 90s-Themed Photoshoots
Mythological Beauty Collections
Greek Mythology Inspired the Goddess Collection by Nobody's Child
Pop Art-Style Blocked Portraits
Ai Weiwei Presents Ai in Red Made from Bright LEGO Bricks
Artful Suspended Fashion Exhibitions
Arran Gregory Presents the Invisible Figures Series
Sustainable Baby Skincare Lines
'Mini Humans' is Eco-Friendly and Safe for Sensitive Skin
Anime Horror-Style Reimaginations
Sanrio's Hello Kitty is Remixed in Junji Ito Artwork Styles
Discarded Toys-Created Homes
Wallmakers Designs the Toy Storey Home with Repurposed Toys
Cartoon-Adorned Parenting Bags
JuJuBe Partners with tokidoki on a Playful Bag Capsule
Emotional Well-Being Dolls
Kid Kreations' Heartfuls Support Self-Belief and Resilience in Children
Kid-Friendly Digital Coloring
PalettePlay.art Has Customizable Coloring Book Templates
Faceless Mother Campaigns
Peanut's Invisible Mothers Visualizes the Solitude Women Experience
90s Toy Holiday Trees
Furbtrees are Introducing the Next Generation of Furby Across the UK
Pop Art Skateboard Capsules
THE SKATEROOM Unveils a Collection Inspired by Roy Lichtenstein
American Art Furniture Exhibits
Superhouse Gallery Debuts an Exhibition on American Art Furniture
Film-Inspired Bright Doll Houses
Mattel Creations Unveils the Mini Mojo Dojo Casa House
Iconic Doll-Inspired Exhibitions
Barbie: The Exhibition Opens at London's Design Museum
Skateboard-Themed Photography Books
James Edson's Rabbit Hole Book Honors London's Skate Scene
Doll-Inspired Kids Collections
The PatPat x Barbie Collection Features About 60 Unique Styles
Living Condition Awareness Dollhouses
IKEA's UNWELCOME HOME Doll House Brings Awareness
Angelic-Themed Fairy Tale Books
Chloë Sevigny Stars in Conversations with Angels by Chopova Lowena
Artful Custom Mirror Collections
Martin Grasser and TRAME Unveil the Portraits Collection
Surreal Artist-Inspired Tech Accessories
CASETiFY Presents a New Salvador Dalí Collection
Girlhood-Inspired Clothing Drops
Peachy Den's 'Sweet Cheeks' Collection Pays Homage to Girlhood
Miniature Collectible Campaigns
The World’s Smallest Lines are the Focus of Influencer Marketing
Cult Movies-Inspired Graphic Streetwear
Place+Faces Presents the Film Club Collection
Magnetic Hand-Holding Socks
These Children's Socks Add a Touch of Whimsy to the Everyday Item
Curved Minimal Chair Exhibitions
Studio Booboon Unveils the Playful Reappropriation Exhibit
Socialite-Inspired Doll Designs
The Mini Bratz x Kylie Collectibles Collection is Available Now
Career Aspiration Doll Collections
Barbie introduces the New Dream Besties Lineup
Reimagined Puzzled Artful Paintings
Mecesoo Creates the LEGO Portrait of a Woman in a Hat
Reality-Bending Car Ads
CarGurus Ad Features Melting Lego and Gourmet Chef Toddlers
Villainous Comic Character Makeup
The Revolution Beauty x DC Super-Villains Collection is Playful
Empowering Movie Industry Dolls
Mattel's 2024 Career of the Year Barbies Celebrate Women in Film
Hidden Disability Toy Figurines
LEGO's New Minifigures Wear Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards
Bean-Shaped Vibrant Chalks
Areaware Presents the Colorful New Bean Chalks for Imaginative Drawing
Block Puzzle Modular Dollhouses
Gavin Portillo and Mario Ledo Create a Dollhouse Concept
Traditional Cartoon Artwork
Tokyo's National Museum Presents Hello Kitty: As I Change, So Does She
Playful Design Exhibitions
Dina Adlouni and Tarlan Vaziri Farahani Presents Mushy Exhibit
Futile Material Design Exhibitions
Objective Gallery Presents Please Sit for an Alternate Ending
Stylized Portrait Generators
Face to All Can Create Oil Paintings and Whimsical Cartoons
Destructive Nature Art Exhibitions
Keita Miyazaki Unveils the Keita Miyazaki Exhibition
Personalized Child Education Apps
Sandbox Group Launches the PlayKids+ Application for Ages 2-12
Playful Puppet Baby Toys
Kids Preferred Taps Sesame Street for a Snuggly Baby Accessory Capsule
Drawings-Inspired Rug Collections
Cold Picnic Introduces the New Frames Collection
Digital Gallery Furniture Collections
Christopher Gentner Presents His Mock Collection
Witty Plushie Toys
Punchkins are 'Punny' Collectibles with 3D Details
Child-Friendly AI Doodles
Dodoboo Uses AI to Turn a Child's Doodles into Art
Inflated-Illusion Ceramic Capsules
Toykyo and HOme Studyo Join Forces on the Blow Up Collection
Broken Bike Lock Furniture
Design Students Showcase the People and Places Exhibition
Whimsical Kids Furniture Collections
Oeuf Presents the New Moss Collection of Modern Looks
Enchanting Kid's Beauty Boxes
Dans Un Jardin Launches the Princesse Jujube Collection
Playfully Vibrant Studio Spaces
Estudio Protobox Coverts a Parking Garage in Colégio Salesiano
Parenting Course Apps
Tiny Souls Media Debuts Zip and the Tiny Sprouts Alongside a Parenting Tool
Human Connection Design Exhibitions
VERSO Presents the No Discipline Solo Exhibition
Director-Celebrating Artful Exhibitions
London's Design Museum Hosts the World of Tim Burton
Kid-Friendly Cartoon Bedding
Brooklinen Teams Up with Sesame Street on a New Kids Collection
Expansive Children's Story Collections
KidTales PLR Helps Cultivate a Love of Reading
Miniature Artful Hip-Hop Landmarks
Danny Cortes Captures Iconic Hip-Hop Moments Through Art
Children's Illustrated Book Campaigns
The 'One in 100' Initiative Spotlights the Medically Complex
Immigration System-Inspired Artworks
SOLDIER's Passport Series Confront the Biased Justice System
Child Verification Mechanisms
ERSB Debuts a New System for Parental Consent in Video Gaming
Festive Día de Muertos-Dolls
Mattel Creations Transforms Barbie and Ken into Festive Designs
Culturally Influenced Baby Apparel
Isla and Mimi Made a Baby Collection Using Indigenous Artistry
Imaginative Pared-Back Art Supplies
Woset Designs a Range of Stationary and Furniture for Kids
Haunting Tech Safety PSAs
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection Releases 'The Horse'
Dainty Children's Holiday Capsules
Janie and Jack Unveil a New Collection with American Girl