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Mary Ellen Mark

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

Tiny looking out the window with Jesus beside her, Seattle

From the series "Tiny 90"

1990 (printed 2004)

Selenium toned gelatin silver print

8 11/16 x 13 in. (22.1 x 33.0 cm)

Collection of the Akron Art Museum

Knight Purchase Fund for Photographic Media

2004.25

© 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.

Keywords
Social Class
Documentary
Virgin Mary
Photography
Window
American
Female
Contemporary Art
Poverty
Black and White