( CNN ) -- A controversial photography exhibit called `` In the Playroom '' depicts young children reenacting tragic and violent historical events , including the September 11 attacks and the abuse of inmates at Iraq 's infamous Abu Ghraib prison . The artist , Jonathan Hobin , says his work is an attempt to reflect on modern events that affect children and prompt dialogue about `` issues in our world . '' But the photos have also drawn criticism from those who say Hobin 's use of artistic license involving children crosses an ethical boundary . `` Some of it is appropriate , '' said psychiatrist Alvin Poussaint . `` But I do n't know that it 's appropriate to put a scarf around a girl 's neck like she 's going to be strangled with out really understanding what that 's about . '' Poussaint was referring to one of Hobin 's photographs in which a young girl is depicted as slain 6-year-old JonBenet . Ramsey , who was found dead in the basement of her Colorado home in 1996 after being strangled . The image portrays the girl dressed in beauty pageant attire while holding a mauve-colored scarf around her neck . Poussaint said he commended the photographs for their portrayal of events that affect children , but cautioned that the children likely `` did n't understand what they were doing . '' He also warned against placing young children in situations that could potentially traumatize or frighten them , cautioning that the effects of traumatic events commonly surface later in life . But Hobin defended his work , arguing that `` media is so pervasive its almost inescapable '' and the exhibit . endeavored to show how these events are `` part of our culture . '' `` We have to acknowledge it , '' he said . Others are n't so sure . One photograph , called `` The Twins , '' shows two young boys staring directly into the camera in a playroom designed to look like a scene from the September 11 attacks at the World Trade Center in New York . In the scene , a boy is shown holding a toy plane , while the other child holds a toy fire engine crane in front of a building made to look like its ablaze . Another image shows a hooded child on box with phony electrodes attached to his fingers in a scene that portrays an Abu Ghraib prisoner . Next to him shows a near naked boy , handcuffed beside a stuffed animal of a dog . Hobin 's exhibit was first unveiled in September at a gallery in Ottawa , Canada , and was shot with the approval of the children 's parents , he said . CNN spoke with one parent who said she allowed her child to be photographed , but could not immediately reach the parents of the other children .
Exhibit ` ` In the Playroom '' depicts young children re-enacting violent events . Photographer Jonathan Hobin says it reflects on modern events that affect children . He says the exhibit is supposed to prompt dialogue about `` issues in our world '' including violence and bullying, as well as how we can prevent these things from happening again by teaching kids'values of tolerance and respect for others. "