Hermann Ildi’s series of photographs, entitled “Our Daughters”, captures surreal moments of childhood. These spontaneous scenes, while familiar, are often absent from traditional family albums. Created as part of her diploma thesis at Moholy-Nagy University, the series features her daughter as well as the daughters of her acquaintances, offering a glimpse into a unique world—a “reality” seen through the eyes of children. The first image in the series, called Rozi with Bison, was taken in a safari park where life-size paper cut-out animals are hidden among the trees. This grotesque yet astonishing scene marks the beginning of the series, which is dominated by the photographer’s perspective rather than a mother’s or parent’s viewpoint. Recurring themes in the series, such as dressing up, hiding behind masks, and playing with plush and plastic animals are significant in the development of the girls’ personalities. The images can be interpreted as reflections on conformity and the desire for individuality, exploring social role models and the instinct to resist them. They also hint at the initial signs of care through the children’s compassion for animals.
Viktória Popovics
