Lie and Smile by Rana Young
"Lie and Smile" is an ongoing series through which I examine the estranged relationship I had with my mother. My photographs reveal the tension of uncertainty as I learn about my parent from stories and inherited photographs. I grew up hearing that my mother was a chameleon—deception masquerading as charm—evidenced by her impulsivity and familial neglect. After her passing in 2017, I began mining her history and investigating the forms of escapism she engaged in to conceal years of endured trauma. In responding to her mementos, photographs, and absence, I construct prosthetic memories to reinterpret what I’ve learned of her life and embalm her death. Perhaps I’m attempting to render a version of my mother I can confront or a version of her to forgive, either requires negotiating with her ghost.
Rana Young (she/her) lives and works in Fayetteville, AR.
To view more of Rana's work, please visit www.ranayoung.com and www.instagram.com/rana.young
