In a world where adolescence often unfolds under the public eye, photographer Melissa Ann Pinney captures the profound, yet fleeting, moments of youth. Her seven-year artist residency within Chicago Public Schools has given rise to “Becoming Themselves,” a photographic series that delves into the complexities of identity, community, and transformation experienced by students, particularly those marginalized and underrepresented.
Pinney’s journey began with an invitation from Artists in Public Schools to photograph at Bell School and Ogden International Schools. This opportunity allowed her to document the lives of children and teens in Chicago’s often overlooked communities. “It was an incredible opportunity to photograph and immerse myself in often overlooked communities of children and teens in Chicago,” Pinney shared.
Her previous work, “Girl Ascending,” focused on the coming-of-age rituals of her daughter and her peers. “Becoming Themselves” expands this vision, capturing the organic, unfiltered moments of students’ lives across three public schools, evolving through a global pandemic and societal changes. “When I began photographing students in three different Chicago public schools, I had no idea of what was to come—how the project would evolve and shift through an ongoing global pandemic, a renewed focus on systemic racial and gender inequities and rampant gun violence,” Pinney noted.
Pinney’s methodology is rooted in spontaneity and authenticity. “I’m interested in photography as a process, one of paying close attention to the richness and mystery already present in the everyday world,” she explained. Her images offer a glimpse into the students’ world, capturing unrehearsed moments of beauty, compassion, and conflict.
The project has not been without its challenges. The pervasive trauma of gun violence has been a stark reality, with eight students Pinney photographed falling victim. “It is very hard to witness the grief and ongoing trauma many students experience as part of their everyday lives,” she reflected.
Yet, the project has also been a source of unexpected connections and insights. Pinney recounts how students have shared that being photographed made them feel seen and valued. One such moment involved Travion Williams, whose portrait in the school lobby boosted his self-perception: “It changed the way he saw himself,” Pinney said.
Pinney’s work has resonated deeply with the students and their families, transcending the boundaries of school to include personal milestones. “The students have profoundly affected the ways I understand the lives of others,” she expressed, highlighting the enduring relationships formed through the project.
Her photographs are now part of the DePaul University Art Museum’s permanent collection, a testament to their impact and significance. As Pinney continues this ongoing journey, she hopes her images invite viewers to see beyond stereotypes and appreciate the vibrant, diverse stories of young people in public schools.
For more on Melissa Ann Pinney’s work, visit her website MelissaAnnPinney.com or follow her on Instagram at @melissa_ann_pinney.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
