Scarred for Life II (always the sheep)
Tracey Moffatt
(1987)
Off-set Lithograph
35 1/2 x 27 1/2 in
35 1/2 x 27 1/2 in
This image reminds the viewer of the struggle of the child who is influenced and molded by their family and society. The small text under the image as created by Moffatt reads, "the smallest boy in class had to be the sheep every night in the production of Waltzing Matilda.” Inspired by Moffatt's own memories of childhood insecurities crafted by family strife, the artist is giving the viewer a perspective on childhood that lies outside of the perfect and ideal story. This story holds a child with emotional obstacles that are not easily overcome, nor fully or adequately described by the caption. Apparently, "Scarred for life I’ and ‘II’ are printed on thin off-white paper akin to scaled up pages from ‘Life’ magazine," and the captions are meant to mock the captions seen in Time Magazine that often seem so distant from the truth (2007).
The photograph also comments on power relations, in that the peers of the young boy in the foreground of the image overpower him because of his size. The boy dressed as a sheep has a story that is not characterized by fun the playfulness that we think most children encounter in life. He is instead seen with an odd expression: seemingly distressed and perturbed. Interestingly enough, he also seems to be of Asian race, which may play into the idea of racial discrimination that many children often face as they grow up. Concluding, the boy to his left seems dominant, staring intently at the camera as if to watch what might be going on, as the two girls on the right follow his commanding eyesight, commenting on the stereotypical role of female as dependant and separate from the male.
The photograph also comments on power relations, in that the peers of the young boy in the foreground of the image overpower him because of his size. The boy dressed as a sheep has a story that is not characterized by fun the playfulness that we think most children encounter in life. He is instead seen with an odd expression: seemingly distressed and perturbed. Interestingly enough, he also seems to be of Asian race, which may play into the idea of racial discrimination that many children often face as they grow up. Concluding, the boy to his left seems dominant, staring intently at the camera as if to watch what might be going on, as the two girls on the right follow his commanding eyesight, commenting on the stereotypical role of female as dependant and separate from the male.
Artist Biography: Rena Bransten Gallery and Tate Museum
Exhibitions: Scarred For Life (1994)
Exhibitions: Scarred For Life (1994)
References: (2007) Art Gallery of New South Wales Photography Collection Handbook. retrieved from.
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