Sally Mann

Virginia, 1988

Sally Mann Biography Sally Mann is an American photographer renowned for her evocative and often controversial work exploring themes of family, identity, and the American South. Her career spans several decades, and Sally Mann has consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional photography, capturing the complexities of human relationships and the landscape. Her distinctive style blends elements of documentary photography with an artistic and poetic sensibility, making her a prominent figure in contemporary photography. Sally Mann was born in Lexington, Virginia, on May 1, 1951. She developed an early interest in photography and pursued her education at Hollins University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, Sally Mann obtained a Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Tufts University. Her early experiences in the South greatly influenced her work, and the region's landscapes and cultural history became central themes in her photography. Sally Mann's upbringing on a farm in Virginia provided a rich foundation for her exploration of the relationship between people and the land. Sally Mann's photographic process is marked by a meticulous and deeply contemplative approach that sets her apart in the realm of contemporary photography. Known for using large-format cameras and traditional wet plate collodion processes, Sally Mann eschews the convenience of modern technology in favor of a labor-intensive method that harks back to the 19th century. This deliberate choice imparts a timeless quality to her work, simultaneously emphasizing the materiality of the photograph and the temporal nuances captured within. Sally Mann's affinity for the unpredictable results of the collodion process, which often introduces imperfections and serendipitous elements, adds a layer of emotional complexity to her images. Her photographs thus become not just frozen moments but tangible artifacts, embodying the passage of time and the intersection of the past and present. Sally Mann's commitment to this intricate and hands-on process underscores her dedication to the craft and contributes to the evocative power of her distinctive and haunting visual narratives. Sally Mann has authored several acclaimed publications showcasing the depth and diversity of her photographic work. Notable among them is Immediate Family (1992), a collection of intimate portraits of her own children that stirred both admiration and controversy for its unflinching portrayal of childhood. Sally Mann's collaborations with writers, including her husband, Larry Mann, have produced works such as Deep South (2005), a captivating blend of photography and prose that delves into the cultural and historical complexities of the American South. Sally Mann's memoir, Hold Still, published in 2015, offers a deeply personal and introspective journey into the life and creative mind of the acclaimed photographer. The memoir spans her entire career, providing insights into her evolution as an artist, the challenges she faced, and the inspiration behind her groundbreaking work. Hold Still delves into Sally Mann’s family history, her upbringing in the American South, and the intricate dynamics that influenced her artistic vision. The title itself reflects Mann's desire to capture and hold onto moments frozen in time through her lens. The memoir is not only an exploration of Mann's artistic process but also a candid reflection on the controversies surrounding her work, particularly the series, Immediate Family, which features intimate and provocative photographs of her children. Sally Mann fearlessly confronts the ethical questions and societal responses provoked by her art, providing readers with a glimpse into the complexities of the creative process and the intersection of art and life. Hold Still is praised for its lyrical prose, honesty, and how Sally Mann weaves together the threads of her personal and artistic narratives, offering a poignant and multi-dimensional portrait of the artist. The memoir provides a unique perspective for both admirers of Mann's photography and those interested in the broader discourse on the nature of art and its impact on the artist's life. Throughout her illustrious career, Sally Mann's work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions, solidifying her place in the canon of contemporary photography. Jackson Fine Art has exhibited three solo exhibitions of Mann’s work and has included her photographs in several international art fairs throughout the years. Her photographs are in major museums and collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Sally Mann's ability to capture the essence of the human experience and her mastery of photographic techniques have led to her work being celebrated in the most prestigious galleries and institutions globally.