Tim Hetherington's project, Sleeping Soldiers, presents an intimate exploration of American soldiers during the Afghanistan War, specifically captured between 2007 and 2008 in the Korengal Valley, one of the conflict's most perilous regions. Diverging from conventional war photography, Hetherington focuses not on the dramatic violence of combat but rather on the quiet, vulnerable moments soldiers experience in sleep. This departure places the project within a broader cultural dialogue about the representation of soldiers and the psychological effects of war, offering a nuanced portrayal at a time when media predominantly emphasized action-driven narratives.
Contextually, Sleeping Soldiers emerged amid heightened global discourse around the War in Afghanistan, reflecting an increasing public curiosity and skepticism regarding military engagements abroad. Hetherington, deeply embedded within the platoon, drew inspiration from the complex personal relationships formed during prolonged exposure to conflict zones, as well as his established interest in the inner emotional worlds of soldiers, developed through previous immersive journalism experiences in Liberia and elsewhere.
Artistically, Hetherington’s intent centers around themes of vulnerability, human connection, and the hidden emotional landscapes of soldiers. The images notably reveal an unguarded humanity, starkly contrasting typical perceptions of military toughness. By capturing soldiers asleep, he underscores the profound physical and psychological toll exerted by sustained exposure to violence. Moreover, the series subtly critiques conventional war photography, redirecting attention from overt heroism or tragedy to quiet reflection and human fragility.
Visually, Sleeping Soldiers is characterized by intimate compositions—close, tight framing of soldiers in repose often evokes a sense of protection or vulnerability. Captured in color using warm flash lighting, the images foster a gentle, somber mood. The color palette, dominated by subdued yellows and earth tones, accentuates the fragility of the subjects while reinforcing the emotional intimacy of the scenes.
Exhibited as a three-screen installation at the New York Photo Festival (2009) and later shown at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (2012), Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool (2013), and the Imperial War Museum, London (2024)—with large-scale public presentations at the CONTACT Photography Festival (2012) and ICP (2013)—Sleeping Soldiers helped define Hetherington’s work, which also yielded the book Infidel, the 2007 World Press Photo of the Year, and the Oscar-nominated, Sundance Grand Jury Prize–winning film Restrepo (2010).
