Infinite Grace: An Extended Portrait of Pinky/MM Bass


Pinky Bass is, first and foremost, my friend. I met the Alabama artist over 35 years ago, and throughout our long-distance friendship she has inspired me with her work and with her unyielding strength. In some ways, Pinky is easy to photograph; she loves being seen through someone else’s lens, and when the opportunity arises, she is an absolutely fearless subject. In other ways, she is impossible to photograph; how could I capture her complexity and convey the losses she’s endured? While reaching the twilight of life means losses are inevitable, hers have been especially cruel. In many of my photographs of her, there is certainly a sense of world-weariness that has taken its toll, that every crease on her face is well earned. However, Pinky’s singular fierceness of spirit always shines through. I’ve watched her age with infinite grace, and this extended portrait is a celebration of her inspiring perseverance.

Aura
2018
Wrapped
2019
Hidden
2018
Hands
2022
Bodyscape #1
2019
Bodyscape #7
2020
Broken Glass
2019
Wedding Portrait
2020
Oaxaca Portrait
2019
Rain
2017
Broken Mirror
2019
Birmingham Portrait
2021
Shroud
2018
Square Arms
2018
Side
2018
Skin
2018
Body Folds
2018
Tired
2017
Corset
2017
Dreams of Mexico
2021
Plum Branch Portrait
2016
Mirror #1
2012
Head
2009
Open Mouth, from the Clay Series
2009
Knee
2022
Knee Replacements
2022
Hip Replacement
2009
Scoliosis
2006
Looking Down, from the Clay Series
2006
Arms Up, from the Clay Series
2006
Half-hair
2001
Sisters, Fran and Pinky #1
2001
Diva
2001
The Pinky Ball
2001
Wedding Dress
2001
Nature's Veil #2
2001
Haircut (Grief)
1999
Big Back
2018
Borrowed Hair
2017
Hair
1993
Covered Eye
1993
La Diosa del Maiz, Oaxaca, Mexico
1993
La Máscara, Oaxaca, Mexico
1993