A multi-year photography project titled "Becoming Themselves" offers an intimate look into the lives of students within Chicago Public Schools. Photographer Melissa Ann Pinney has spent seven years capturing the daily experiences of adolescents, focusing on their identity formation and community interactions. The project highlights both the resilience and challenges faced by these young people, documenting a significant period in their lives.
Key Takeaways
- Photographer Melissa Ann Pinney has been documenting Chicago Public School students since 2018.
- The project, "Becoming Themselves," focuses on high school students, particularly at Ogden International and Senn High Schools.
- It captures everyday moments, identity development, and the impact of broader societal issues like gun violence.
- Students report feeling "seen" and empowered by their participation in the project.
- Tragically, eight students photographed for the project have died due to gun violence.
Documenting Adolescent Life in Chicago
The journey began in 2018 when Pinney received an invitation from Artists in Public Schools. This organization connects artists with schools across Chicago for residencies. Pinney's initial work included Bell School and Ogden International Schools, providing an opportunity to immerse herself in communities often overlooked. Her previous work, including the 2010 monograph "Girl Ascending," explored the social lives of her daughter and her friends. This new project expanded her focus beyond personal connections.
Pinney approaches photography as a process of close observation. She aims to capture the richness of everyday moments, allowing stories to unfold organically. Her goal is to create "real pictures" that invite repeated viewing and avoid stereotypes. The project has evolved significantly since its inception, documenting student life through a global pandemic, heightened awareness of systemic racial and gender inequities, and an increase in gun violence.
Project Scope
- Start Year: 2018
- Main Focus (Becoming Themselves): Ogden International High School and Senn High School
- Duration: Ongoing, currently seven years
- Students Photographed: Hundreds across multiple schools
Challenges and Unforeseen Realities
One of the most profound challenges Pinney encountered was witnessing the grief and trauma students face daily. The tragic reality of gun violence has deeply impacted the project. Eight students Pinney photographed have lost their lives to gun violence. The trauma from these events resonates throughout the school communities, affecting students, staff, and families.
This ongoing project, initially expected to last a single year, has continued for seven years. It has become a crucial document of a historic time, reflecting both the personal growth of individuals and the broader societal pressures they navigate. The photographs capture moments of joy, friendship, and resilience, alongside the underlying struggles.
"It is very hard to witness the grief and ongoing trauma many students experience as part of their everyday lives, especially when we hear that a student in the community has been shot and killed."
Serendipity and Student Transformations
During her time in the schools, Pinney experienced many surprising moments. One instance involved photographing Lizzie Williams, a student whose unique style stood out. Pinney recalls how the unexpected appearance of the boys' basketball team during the portrait session, casting shadows on the wall, added an unforeseen layer of complexity and mystery to the final image. This photograph, along with six others from the project, is now part of the DePaul University Art Museum's permanent collection.
Another striking moment involved a student named Axle. Pinney had photographed him previously but did not recognize him when he approached her for a new portrait. Axle had undergone a significant transformation in his appearance. These instances highlight the dynamic nature of adolescence and the constant evolution of identity.
The Power of Being Seen
The project has had a significant positive impact on many students. Travion Williams, an Ogden International High School student, shared how his portrait, displayed in the school lobby, boosted his self-confidence. He felt recognized and admired by his friends and teammates, which changed his self-perception. Similarly, Sophiat Agboola found inspiration in her portrait, gaining confidence to wear her natural hair after facing occasional ridicule.
Deepening Connections and Lasting Impact
Pinney's connections with the students have deepened over time. These relationships often extend beyond the school environment, encompassing family events, parties, and even baby showers. She maintains contact with many students years after their graduation. This ongoing engagement underscores the profound impact the project has had on both the photographer and the subjects.
The students' participation in "Becoming Themselves" has helped them feel truly seen and understood. Pinney explains that her understanding of others' lives has been profoundly shaped by these relationships. The project has become a collaborative effort, with students actively welcoming her into their world and contributing to the art-making process.
Reflecting on Education and Childhood
Working within Chicago Public Schools has provided Pinney with new perspectives on education and childhood. She observes that today's students possess a greater sense of agency compared to previous generations. They have more freedom to define themselves through their chosen activities, dress, sexual orientation, pronouns, and even names. This environment fosters acceptance and allows for individual differences, leading to a visible camaraderie among many students.
The project also highlighted the intricate link between Chicago's history and its present. Issues such as housing, education, racial and gender equity, and immigration continuously shape the city and its public schools. These broader societal concerns flow into the daily lives of students, making the school environment a microcosm of the city's challenges and strengths.
Tragic Losses
Two students specifically mentioned whose lives were cut short by gun violence:
- Jakolbi Lard: Photographed at prom in 2019, killed in January 2022.
- DeJa Rae Reaves: A 2022 graduate of Ogden International High School, killed in April 2023 during her freshman year of college.
Hopes for Viewer Engagement
Pinney hopes that viewers will engage with these photographs in a meaningful way. She aims for the images to encourage a deeper appreciation and consideration of the young people in public schools, moving beyond common stereotypes. The portraits serve as a tribute to those who are often vulnerable and underrepresented, honoring their lives and experiences.
The exhibition of these photographs has also provided a platform for grieving families. Patricia Lard, mother of Jakolbi Lard, expressed that exhibiting her son's portrait honors his life. She thanked Pinney for "seeing in her Sun what the world did not," underscoring the profound personal significance of the project.