As a child, I am quite certain I spent a substantial portion of my time creating marvelous messes, exploring unsafe terrain and contributing to the graying of my father's hair. Yet I have difficulty precisely remembering 
the details of many of my childhood experiences, and my memory may be unreliable in some instances. Looking back as an adult, idealizing and even trivializing childhood is an easy move to make. Any of my childhood nervousness, discovery, pain or sense of wonder and amazement about the world seems so innocent, even quaint, from my current vantage point.
However, I sense that this attitude is inaccurate, perhaps even inappropriate. The internal and external worlds of children are complex, multi-dimensional, and beautiful in an infinite number of ways. Children are constantly learning, adapting, shaping and being shaped by their surroundings. As adults, there seems to be room to interrogate our complicity in this process.
The Nelson-Atkins’ latest photography exhibition, Hide & Seek: Picturing Childhood, provides an opportunity for such exploration. In multiple ways, the photographers' images of children “emphasize the many elusive constructions of childhood that fall somewhere between innocence and knowing, nature and nurture, metaphor and fact.” They give viewers an opportunity to step into moments of childhood and to contemplate the wonder, clarity and fogginess, tenderness, possibility and 
sometimes even the contradictions that are so much a part of growing.
Images displayed on this blog (and part of the exhibition)
Sage Sohier Girl being prepared for a horse show, Sandwich, NH, 2004. Gift of the Hall Family Foundation, 2009.37.14.
Jocelyn Lee Untitled (Mimi in Nightgown), 1999. Gift of the Hall Family Foundation, 2009.40.7
An image that has stayed with me since I first viewed the photographs in this exhibition a week ago is Robert Lyons’ Young Girl Outside Manhiya Palace, Kumasi, Kenya, 1997. Unfortunately, this photograph is under copyright restrictions but I absolutely recommend making a trip to the museum to view it! With this photograph, I am unable to be a casual observer, but am compelled to consider my relation to the girl’s world, as well as the choices that she will be required to make. I see her youth, her beauty, and her gentle hand resting atop a spotless white dress and over her heart. My initial reactions were: I want to protect her, to smooth her paths, to share in her excitement but prevent any pain. But when I am able to move beyond those knee-jerk reactions, I see the bravery in her facial expression. I see her hopefulness, her strength and determination. I step back and listen to her.
The photographs in this exhibition present to viewers moments frozen in time. We are given a luxurious pause and maybe also a chance to contemplate what we might learn from the children around us.
What do you see in this exhibition?
Hide & Seek: Picturing Childhood
September 26, 2009— February 21, 2010
Location: Bloch Building, Gallery L11
Free Admission.
Comments (2)
I found the photo Untitled (Mimi in Nightgown), 1999 a little unsettling. If you think about the various situations that could possibly cause a child to stand in her nightgown on the rocks, one can only assume that the photo was posed.
As for the Girl being prepared for a horse show, Sandwich, NH, 2004, I think this is a true reflection of the complexity of childhood. You can see the innocence in the scene, her clothing, and even her physical disproportion with the other individuals. However, in her face you can see the intensity and concentration on what she is about to do. She looks determined, as if she is calculating and measuring. I love the contrast between her innocence and concentration.
Posted by Sarah | October 6, 2009 3:50 PM
Posted on October 6, 2009 15:50
A beautiful, reflective post--thank you for sharing!
Posted by Rebecca | October 28, 2009 9:26 PM
Posted on October 28, 2009 21:26