Untitled (portrait of little girl with short hair) c. 1940

This is Paul Gittings's photographic portrait, simply titled 'portrait of little girl with short hair'. The photograph is an inverted image with a monochromatic black and white palette. While the exact date of this photograph is unknown, Gittings was known for his commercial photography and portraiture. This portrait brings up interesting questions about gender and representation. Notice the girl's short hair, a less common style for girls at the time, which challenges traditional gender norms. What does it mean to depict a young girl in a way that diverges from conventional femininity? Gittings's work often explored the boundaries of identity and representation, capturing the nuances of human expression. The artist creates a space for viewers to question and reimagine traditional narratives around identity. He invites us to reflect on our own perceptions and biases. As you engage with this image, consider the power of art to challenge and transform the ways we see ourselves and others.