Mary Ellen Mark’s “Ward 81″ 1975, is a series of photographs of women in the only mental institution for women that existed at that time. These women were deemed as dangerous to themselves and to others. At this time, there is no doubt that patients at mental institutions were dehumanized for their characteristics. Which is why I believe Mark’s motive was to paint them as the humans they always were. As seen in the black and white photograph above, you see a woman hugging another woman who’s facial expression could be considered relieved. Behind them are wires to prevent any incidents happening containing the windows behind the wires.
