Inside the dolls' house

 

This is a reportage piece I thought was really interesting. This is a photo essay of women who live in institutions in the Czech Republic. Most of the women are mentally disturbed. Many of the institutions use dolls as a means of social therapy.

Above: Dasa (aged 55) came to the institution two years ago. She has two dolls, which she received as Christmas presents. Sometimes she has a third doll: "I borrow this doll from Miluska. She lends her to me sometimes to make me happy."

Above: Fun and games: Eva (aged 63) has been in the home for eight years: "I sleep with my doll and I love her." Eva seems very happy and laughs a lot.

 

Above: Generous instincts: the women share their experiences with each other while looking after the dolls: "I'll give you a doll but only if you like children," one inmate told the photographer.

A face at the window: "What they dream about, we will never know." mused the photographer, Radim Beznoska

 

Surrogate families: the women treat the dolls as close friends who will never disappoint them. They boast about their well-dressed 'children' and chat with them throughout the day.

Courtesy of: http://www.reportage.org