Deborah Paauwe : "Autumn Dusk" (2005)

Autumn Dusk

Deborah Paauwe

(2004)

type C photographs

(image from Deborah Paauwe)

I love this work by Deborah Paauwe because I think it directly challenges the idea of children as innocent and naïve. It also takes a step further in the exhibit, by introducing this exhibit into the time of pre-adolescence, by commenting on the restraints and capability of this type of child as defined by adult perception. The red clothing on the body of what we assume to be a pre- or adolescent girl, and the red and black face paint help the viewer associate the image with something demonic or otherworldly. Since it is adults who often construct and place this idea of the innocent child on the lives of children, and expect that idea to be fulfilled in encountering all children, the image of something other than that ideal is sure to shock the viewer. This image, with its anonymous body and purposeful pose and expression, lead the viewer to believe that the adolescent girl is all-knowing. She has full control over her life and actions, and her story is not defined by the adult world or adult perception of her capabilities. The figure is deliberate with her pose, as she seems to be crossing her arms mockingly, and tilting her head to observe the viewers reaction to her planned action. The crossing of the arms and tilt of the head also references this idea of an angel without wings, or perhaps a body consumed in a morgue (Foster, 2004). She seems mockingly aware of her body parts, and she shows that our understanding of childhood, while created by adults, is also created by children, in that children live in worlds we can almost never remember how to understand.

Artist Biography: Available at Deborah Paauwe and Art Statements and Sutton Gallery

References: Foster, A. (2004) Dark Fables. Retrieved From.