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Mary Ellen Mark

(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1940 - 2015, New York, New York)

Tiny at thirty on the couch, smoking with Ray Shon, her baby, Seattle

From the series "Tiny at Thirty"

1999 (printed 2004)

Selenium toned gelatin silver print

10 5/16 x 10 1/8 in. (26.2 x 25.7 cm)

Collection of the Akron Art Museum

Knight Purchase Fund for Photographic Media

2004.39

© Mary Ellen Mark Foundation

More Information

In 1983, Mary Ellen Mark was sent by LIFE magazine to photograph street kids in Seattle. There, she met thirteen-year-old prostitute Erin “Tiny” Blackwell. Tiny became one of the central subjects not only of Mark’s photographs, but also of the documentary film Streetwise which followed in 1984. Mark has unflinchingly documented Tiny’s life for nearly three decades, illustrating her struggles with poverty, substance abuse, and abusive partners and family, but also capturing moments of joy and intimacy. Mary Ellen Mark has kept in touch with Tiny over the years, and continues to document her life and the lives of her children.

Keywords
Photography
Mother
Couches
Cigarette
American
Baby
Documentary
Contemporary Art
Social Class
Poverty
Living room
Black and White