Sherry Possibly 1980 - 1989

Editor: This is Mariette Pathy Allen’s C-print photograph, "Sherry," created sometime in the 1980s. The romantic feel almost seems at odds with the clear, unflinching gaze. What symbols stand out to you? Curator: The mirror itself acts as a powerful symbol here. Consider its dual nature: surface and depth, reality and reflection. It speaks to the complexities of identity and self-perception. In this case, the double image challenges our notions of a singular self. What does the doubling suggest to you? Editor: Perhaps it hints at the different personas we adopt or the internal negotiation of identity? The soft textures of the lace also stand out. Curator: Absolutely. Lace often carries connotations of femininity, delicacy, and tradition, connecting to historical notions of women’s roles. But consider how those symbols are re-contextualized here. How does the artist both utilize and subvert these symbols? Editor: It’s like a reclaiming of femininity on her own terms, outside of societal expectations. And the flowers in the lower corner mirror the femininity, don't they? Curator: Precisely! Flowers are another classical symbol of beauty and fragility, further emphasizing this dialogue between the presented image and the deeper self. Allen seems to ask: what happens when we see beyond these culturally assigned roles? Editor: That’s fascinating. I didn’t initially pick up on the weight of those symbols, but seeing them re-interpreted provides a whole new lens for understanding identity. Curator: Indeed. This photograph isn't just a portrait; it is an intricate meditation on representation, identity, and the potent language of symbols.