I try using my camera to overcome old learned vocabularies. I created the Big Babies series as a way of challenging myself to talk about young children without relying on the traditional visual language that is readily available for talking about children as cute, adorable little objects. I wanted to resist and challenge images that objectify the child as a doll-like material. In many ways the series was a reaction to the stereotypical Sears-type baby portrait that embodies the cultural stereotype of the cute smiley-faced baby. I find this stereotype to be such a limited and narrow view of young children. In making this series I found that the landscape of childrens' faces are intelligent, thinking, reflective, concerned, and at times intense. Instead of placing the child in a seamless photo studio - instead of yanking them out of their own environments into the photographers studio - the children were photographed within their own spaces and places. I found that use the camera can question the stereotypical standards that influence our conception of children and childhood - standards that lead to overlooking or dismissing the childs intelligence and their ability to express a wide range of thoughts and feelings through an equally wide range of gestures, gazes and expressions.

Nationality: Born in Israel, now an American
Camera: Nikon FE with a 55mm 1:2.8 lens, no filter.
Film: Kodak Max 400 ASA color film.
Where I live: Silver Spring, Maryland

My parents emigrated from Israel to the US when I was a young child. As a five year old I found myself suddenly immersed within an unfamiliar culture and language. As I experienced more and more of the new culture I found myself immersed within I realized that even though spoken language was a barrier, I could make sense of my experience through understanding the unspoken languages of visual form, emotion, and body movement. I was drawn to the study of architecture because buildings speak these unspoken languages.
I received a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, Masters degrees from Harvard and Columbia (in education and urban design, respectively) and an undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Maryland. For over twenty-five years I have used the architectural education studio model as the basis for engaging public school children and teachers in new educational practices. My work with children in Harlem (in New York City) led me to numerous collaborations with photographers, artists, and dancers and educators interested in testing out experimental and creative classroom practices that empower students and teachers to change their communities. I have exhibited my photography in small galleries since 1979. Most recently, as a member of a group show, I exhibited I Have A Name a photo/text installation on Jewish and Palestinian identity in Israel at the Attleboro Museum (Attleboro, Massachusetts 2002). In my solo show entitled Big Babies at the Sacramento Street Gallery (Cambridge, Massachusetts 2002), I exhibited large format digital prints made from scanned 35mm color prints.

Elijah Mirochnik
Silver Spring, Maryland
submission date: February 04, 2005