The work of Sally Mann covers a wide range of territory, for instance, exquisite as well as nostalgic landscape photographs and photographs of children that are in black and white. Some of Sally Mann’s photographs especially those of her children have struck a vein. With “The New Mothers,” Sally Mann comes up with a thought-provoking piece that demonstrates a stimulating battle between childhood purity as well as the knowledge that comes up with maturity. In most cases, children tend to behave like they are mature.
In “The New Mothers” one of her daughters is pictured holding a candy cigarette whereas the other has Lolita glasses. While their left hands are holding the toys, they face towards the right of the viewer. Also, they stare directly at the camera. After looking at the photograph, it is evident that what they are carrying can help understand the image. The children admire adulthood. Although children want to cross to the space of adulthood as quick as possible, they should be more concerned about the journey (Warren 56). The process of training as well as education plays a key role to the lives of children.
On the other hand, the photograph has more information than sheer picturesque value. An intricate point in human life is demonstrated by Sally Mann’s “The New Mothers.” For instance, the photograph illustrates the transformations children undergo that result in maturity (Steward 365). Mann establishes a connection that enchants viewers. Although the power of the photograph is irrefutable, it has sparked disturbance to many. Through the use of toys, Mann makes one understand the real meaning of youth and question where the line between children as well as adults begins to blur.
The photograph of the “The New Mothers” illustrates that childhood is complicated and in most instances, the society does not accept that. The society associates childhood space to innocence, therefore, prefer not to talk about it. The photograph represents childhood in its entirety, even its darker sides, as what children will experience in the future when they grow into adults and refute the idea that childhood cannot relate to innocence. People who view the work are made to reflect on the mirror and see how they were when young. Sally Mann accomplishes this by using the children with a candy cigarette as well as Lolita glasses carrying toys to illustrate what everyone looks like when young as well as how they wish they are adults. In most instances, children dream of becoming adults and do the things adults so for instance smoking, as well as having children and so on.
All of this is achieved by “The New Mothers” as well as it visually captures the childhood mind by showing different specific moments in the life of a child in a way that is real. Luc Sante argues that children are innocent emotionally and physically. Children are never humiliated by what they wish to become for instance enter into the space of adulthood. They are portrayed beautifully as well as with the purest intentions, to demonstrate the essence of humans. The new mothers illustrate the totality of human experience. The photograph allows viewers to look deep into the spirit of children. The image gives viewers an admiration look at the life of an individual child. Also, viewers are offered the insight into their own lives as well as childhoods.
Many critics question the intent of the photograph and feel that the image suggests child abuse whether unintentionally or in the sense of complicity with the adult viewer. The children are in props associated with adults which they do not understand. The knowingness of the viewer is played with, and the children are rushed into the world of adults instead of allowing them to enjoy a separate childhood space.
Although the children are pretending to be in the space of adulthood, this is taken away when they become real adults. The photographs accelerate the children into maturity instead of preserving their innocence. In most cases, some viewers think that the children are eager to handle materials that are contaminated; as a result altering the quality of the work.
The art of Sally Mann has changed cultural mores although it has been considered scandalous in the past. Many people have started accepting it. People today are more comfortable to view photographs of small children including those of their nudity, in addition to the fact that Mann’s children have grown up. People have accepted the idea of child abuse as a form of artistic expression, and the parameters for a photograph to be considered child abuse are narrowing. Viewers are pleased as long as the photograph is exhibited without immoral content.
Conclusion
Childhood innocence is not corrupted by the work of Mann because it is there as well. Beyond the romping fields, something is going on. The work of Mann suggests that the world of childhood, as well as adulthood, needs to be redefined. Artificial lines need to be drawn between the toe worlds. Many people view the work of Sally Man as an art instead of child abuse; as a result, making it very successful. The New Mothers have sold for millions of dollars, despite its controversial subject. Mann is considered an original artist as well as among the best photographers in the world of art.
Works Cited
Jr., William M. Dermody. “Malala Yousafzai Wows 'The Daily Show'.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 11 Oct. 2013, www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/10/10/malala-jon-stewart-daily- show/2959599/.
Steward, James Christen. "The camera of Sally Mann and the spaces of childhood." Michigan Quarterly Review 39.2 (2000): 365.
Warren Dittmar. Completing the Wheel: An Adventure in Creativity and Life. IUniverse, 2010.
