Youth often presents the linkage between this idea of innocence untarnished by the realities of society and the persistently curious child, frequently asking “why, this?” or “why, that?”
The young developing mind of an adolescent is sometimes vexing with ignorance and the unexplored. Furthermore, youth is not only the concrete semblance of a young-being but, for some, an unattainable period of years lost never to be found again.
American photographer Sally Mann is somehow able to bridge the gap between youth and adulthood. Even if you’re unfamiliar with her work, it is likely you’ve seen it without any recollection.
Born in Lexington, Virginia, Mann has curated images that not only reflect the roots of the south but her earliest works are a reproduction of the very angst that can be youth; “At Twelve: Portraits of Young Women”, and “Immediate Family” (which showcase her three children and husband) being the epitome of that very example. One of Mann’s most well-known photos, among the internet community, from the “Immediate Family” series is “Candy Cigarette”.
There is something undeniably beautiful about the young spirit and something to be highly coveted. Unfortunately, one does not appreciate the idea of being “forever young” until the salts of the hour glass have dwindled and a quarter-life crisis is upon them.
It is generally a faux-pas to speak of the pornographic evils associated with misguided youth but there is something interesting about chaos. “At Tweleve: Portraits of Young Women”, celebrate and shine light on that very chaos, illustrating what it means to be a young American girl on the verge of maturity.
I find chaos, maybe even from the sociological stand-point of disrupted ideas, generally fascinating. I mean, come on there is something quite terrifying and electric about a “child” smoking a cigarette or a girl posing with attitude.
To some the reality of youth is Botox. Youth is a face-lift. Youth is dangerous. Ultimately it is just a period of life and for a good reason. Youth is a nostalgic idea perpetuated through many things.
Turning back the hands of time come with consequences, more often than not, the result is obsession of what use to be.
Images are owned solely by Sally Mann.
