For seven years, photographer Melissa Ann Pinney has been a constant presence in the hallways of Chicago's public high schools. Her ongoing project, "Becoming Themselves," offers an intimate look into the lives of teenagers navigating identity, friendship, and the often-harsh realities of their environment.
What began as an artist residency evolved into a profound document of a generation, capturing moments of joy and creativity against a backdrop of a global pandemic, social upheaval, and the persistent trauma of gun violence that has claimed the lives of eight students she photographed.
Key Takeaways
- Photographer Melissa Ann Pinney has documented student life at Ogden International and Senn High Schools since 2018.
- The project, "Becoming Themselves," captures adolescence during a period of pandemic, social change, and community violence.
- Tragically, eight students featured in her portraits were later killed by gun violence.
- The photographs have had a positive impact on many students, boosting their confidence and helping them feel "seen."
- Several works from the series have been acquired by the DePaul University Art Museum for its permanent collection.
A Seven-Year Residency in Chicago Schools
Melissa Ann Pinney’s journey into the world of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) started in 2018 through an artist residency program. Initially invited to photograph at Bell School and Ogden International Schools, the project grew in scope and depth, eventually focusing on two high schools: Ogden International and Senn High School.
Her work, which culminated in the series "Becoming Themselves," chronicles the period between 2019 and 2025. Pinney immersed herself in the school communities, becoming a familiar face in classrooms, hallways, and at school events like prom and pep rallies.
"I was in my teens and photographing my own family, childhood and adolescence has been a focus of my work," Pinney explained. This project was an opportunity to widen that scope beyond her personal connections and document the diverse lives of Chicago's youth.
Capturing Authenticity Amidst Chaos
Pinney’s approach is not to stage moments but to find the richness and mystery already present in the everyday. She waits for the story to reveal itself, resulting in images that feel genuine and unrehearsed. She sees her process as a collaboration where students welcome her into their world.
"I never know what the students will do next — their beauty, their compassion and their conflicts are unrehearsed," she stated.
The project unfolded during a uniquely turbulent time. The global pandemic shifted classes online, a renewed focus on racial and gender inequities swept the nation, and the constant threat of gun violence loomed over the city. Pinney's work unintentionally became a historical document of how young people navigated these immense challenges.
From Personal Project to Public Art
The significance of Pinney's work has been recognized beyond the school walls. In the spring of 2024, the DePaul University Art Museum acquired seven photographs from the series for its permanent collection. Students from Senn High School even took a field trip to the museum to see portraits of their classmates displayed as works of art.
The Unspoken Reality of Gun Violence
A heartbreaking theme emerged during the project: the devastating impact of gun violence on the community. Pinney confirmed that eight of the students she photographed were tragically shot and killed. This reality brought a heavy weight to the project.
"It is very hard to witness the grief and ongoing trauma many students experience as part of their everyday lives," Pinney shared. The trauma, she noted, reverberates everywhere.
One particularly poignant story is that of Jakolbi Lard, whom she photographed at his 2019 prom. She was drawn to the broken heart he had shaved into his hair. In January 2022, Jakolbi was killed. His mother, Patricia Lard, later told Pinney that her son was a "heart-breaker," not heartbroken. She expressed gratitude for the portrait, telling Pinney she was thankful for her "...seeing in her Sun (sic) what the world did not."
Over the course of her project, eight students Melissa Ann Pinney photographed were killed by gun violence. Their portraits now serve as both a celebration of their lives and a memorial to their loss.
More Than a Photograph: A Lasting Impact
For many students, participating in the project was a transformative experience. Pinney’s work gave them a platform to be seen and valued for who they are. She recounted how one student, Sophiat Agboola, felt inspired by her portrait. Sophiat explained that she had been made fun of for wearing her natural hair, and the photograph gave her the confidence to embrace it.
Another student, Travion Williams, was shy and self-conscious when his portrait was taken in 2019. When his photo was installed in the school's lobby, his friends and teammates recognized and admired him. "It changed the way he saw himself," Pinney recalled.
These interactions highlight the project's profound effect. "It's rewarding when I'm told by a student that my work is important to them," Pinney said. Her connections have deepened over the years, extending beyond the school to family events and celebrations, solidifying her role as a trusted documentarian of the community.
A Generation Defining Itself
Through her years in the schools, Pinney observed a significant shift in student culture. She notes that today's students have far more agency than previous generations in defining themselves.
"These students are free to define themselves through their chosen teams and clubs, their dress, sexual orientation, pronouns and sometimes taking on a new name," she observed. She sees a freedom in their acceptance of difference and a closeness in their camaraderie.
Pinney’s photographs honor the complexity of modern adolescence. They go beyond stereotypes to show radiant, vulnerable, and resilient young people navigating one of the most formative periods of their lives, creating a powerful and lasting tribute to the students of Chicago Public Schools.