Kristina Shook talks about her mother Melissa Shook’s Daily Self-Portraits (1972–1973) series, which offers an expansive and inviting meditation on womanhood
Shook struck the perfect balance between chaotic and disciplined, showing up almost every day to see what might happen when she let loose and peered inside her soul. Blessed with an hourglass physique that created commotion wherever she went, Shook integrated her nude body into her exploration of self.
“Melissa was in front of the camera asking, who am I?” Kristina says. “Everybody comes with a certain amount of damage and what do you do with that? I love that Melissa was like, I can't fix it but I’m gonna make photographs from it. It had to be done in order for her to live and breathe.” To Prove that I Exist: Melissa Shook’s Daily Self-Portraits, 1972-1973 is on show at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri until 8 August 2024.