13 in the Anthropocene, is a visual art project by Photographer, Carine Thevenau, seeking to provide visibility for West Australian young people. The project captures the portraits of thirteen adolescents as they enter teenhood during the epoch known as the Anthropocene. The Anthropocene is a time period that recognises human behaviour as having a profound impact on our planet.

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Alongside hand-painted black-and-white portraits, Carine interviewed each child, asking about their experience in the world. The work provides a collective portrait of contemporary teenage experience and asks us to pause and listen to the voices of our future people.

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“I'm not sure how artificial intelligence will turn out - robots taking over the world!” Vivi, 13.

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“I worry about the sea water levels, temperature, coral bleaching, habitat loss from the destruction of animalʼs homes and too much

rubbish pollution”. Audrey, 13.

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“One day I hope to become famous”. Arthur, 13.

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“I can feel the climate is changing, and it doesnʼt make me feel very well”. Merrita, 13.

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“I like any opportunity to overcomplicate things”. Luca, 13.

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“Equality is important because everyone should feel loved, safe and respected, no matter where they came from, and always be included”. Felix, 13.

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“Thirteen is exciting as itʼs the first time I have had my own phone. The worst thing about being 13 for girls, is getting our period”. Faith, 13.

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“When I think about the environment and the climate crisis, I believe that the Earth has been through many phases, such as the Ice Age and that it is going through another inevitable change now”. Claire, 13.

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“I am Alba and I am 13. I am homeschooled. I am passionate about preventing animal cruelty. I am not vegan, but I am vegetarian. I am worried about how quickly animal species are dying”. Alba, 13.

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“Social media can be positive because we can use it to be creative. It can be negative because of bullying and spreading false

information”. Mazaya, 13.

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“At thirteen, you kind of enter the wild a little bit more and it's quite scary because you may not have all the tools yet that you need to make it through this world”. Lucas, 13.

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“I wouldnʼt say I feel hopeful for the future. It seems as if so much is going wrong with the world that all the problems couldnʼt possibly be solved”. Layla, 13 and a bit.

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13 in the Anthropocene has been exhibited at the Moores Building Art Space, Walyalup Fremantle Art Centre, and Visages Exhibition, Arles, France.