TOW #22: "Daughters"

Daughters by Samantha Conlon is a unique perspective on the relationship between femininity and traditional roles of motherhood (and daughterhood). Conlon's project came about after she spent six months as a quiet observer to her sisters and their daughters, capturing intimate moments that, when viewed, bring about an emotional response in the viewer.

Through the collection, which uses visual elements like emotion, lighting, and color, Conlon is able to masterfully create a dialogue about the roles women play in the lives of their daughters, and the roles young girls play in the lives of their mothers.

Samantha Conlon is a female photographer & artist from Ireland whose works focus on class and gender struggles. Her works have been published in online platforms such as i-D and the New York Times, and showcase a multidisciplinary approach in viewing the world.

Conlon's aim was to "show strength in softness", and to "elevate the female experience." Her use of soft, diffused lighting gives the portraits a very intimate, casual, and soft feeling. It is reminiscent of childhood portraits and family photo albums, but in being produced for a much wider audience than close family and friends, it highlights an almost voyeuristic side to portraiture of mothers.

The use of color, mainly soft pinks and blues, places an emphasis on youth and highlights the more nurturing aspects of motherhood. Conlon brings out the childlike side of both mothers and their daughters, whether she is capturing a moment at rest or a time spent playing.

The collection embodies, for me, a childhood very similar to my own, and a motherhood that I hope to experience one day. Conlon is able to capture all of the hidden, nuanced ideas about growing up and familial ties through her portraiture. Daughters is a collection that highlights profound meanings behind the way society views femininity and growth.