Are our girls shaped psychologically and physically by their own influences? Do we as a community have responsibility to address industries that soak our culture in consumerism? The traveling photo exhibition Girl Culture, by Lauren Greenfield, brings to the forefront complexities the American girl faces growing up in the 21st century. Insecurities, identities, and struggles come to surface in such startling and empowering work.

Greenfield’s photographs take us inside the worlds of the fashion industry, weight loss camps, exotic dancers, dressing rooms and shopping malls to name a few. The girls and young women documented in these images act as mirrors that reflect our own internal conflicts and desires. Parents may wish to consider the maturity of young children.

Girl Culture at the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery is funded by the Junior League of Topeka. Our  programming line-up includes an artist talk by Lauren Greenfield; a community conversation Are Girls Growing Up Too Fast?; Telling Secrets, a body image postcard project; a film screening of the Lauren Greenfield’s HBO documentary Thin; and Illusions of Me a workshop by Debra Rukes, YWCA Teen Pregnancy Prevention director.

The Junior League’s theme for 2009 is Happy, Healthy Me. Bringing this exhibit to our community exemplifies our commitment to promoting character, physical and mental health, and a sense of well-being for our women of all ages. As we address these issues within our community, we can share our reactions and ideas, and bring new awareness of how popular culture affects us right here at home.

Article by Trish Nixon & Sherry Best