Jessica Maria Manley

Walking away, 2011

Melissa and her toys, 2009

White Stockings, 2009

Make up in the Living Room II, 2011

Wine Glass, 2010

Living room, 2009

Waiting, 2010

In the backyard II, 2011

On the Dock, 2011

Artist Statement

I am a New York City based photographer graduating School Of Visual Arts May 2012 with a BFA in photography. I create my photographs with the intent to provoke internal questioning. Can society truly define what is appropriate for an individual based solely on their age? It has been claimed that individuals are molded by both nature and nurture. However, is there a definitive turning point in a person’s life transitioning them from childhood to adult? What makes these two worlds so entirely different? People have a very distinct definition of adulthood. In this stage of life it is presumed that individuals have learned to handle and assume responsibility. That there are understandings of fears and techniques have been established to deal with them on a more mature level. Adults are thought to recognize and labor with the anxieties and pressures of the real world by rationalization and the wisdom that comes with maturity. An adult has ascertained a set of values and a moral code of conduct that fits into their social structure. They have molded themselves to neatly blend in to their world. It is only when societies set images are disturbed by irregular values and norms are the masses made to feel uncomfortable and awkward. What is viewed as odd or disturbing can be linked to the disruption of the moral code ingrained both in the observer as well as the participating individual.

Jessica Maria Manley’s Website

Jessica Maria Manley’s Portfolios