Created By
Maria Marshall
Camera Original : 35mm film. Edition 1/1
Curator
Artbridger Curator
In "When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Cooker," Maria Marshall challenges viewers with a haunting juxtaposition of innocence and societal vices. Through expertly crafted visuals and skillful editing, Marshall delves into the complexities of childhood perceptions and adult projections, prompting introspection on the fragility of youth and the impact of external influences. The stark contrast between the child's cherubic features and the jarring act of smoking creates a disconcerting tension, inviting viewers to confront their own assumptions and societal norms. Marshall's work serves as a poignant commentary on the blurred boundaries between protection and exploitation, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer's psyche.
The work is primarily composed of three repeating shots. Each image shows a two year old boy smoking a cigarette, either in mid-shot or close-up. He sucks on the cigarette as its tip glows, parts his lips inhaling the smoke deeply into his lungs, and blows a perfectly shaped, billowing smoke ring at the viewer. Within twenty seconds of repetitive action, smoke fills the entire frame, providing the point at which the event loops. This twenty second loop is intimate, inviting and sensual despite the incendiary subject matter. The child invites the viewer’s gaze and returns it unequivocally in what appears to be a disconcerting endorsement of corruption. The video was shown at Manifesta 10 St Petersburg. 2007 and 2014 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 2004 it appears on the front cover of Contemporary magazine.
Created By
Maria Marshall
Original Footage Directed by Laurie Castelli / Produced by Francis Castelli
1999
