Cori Chandler-Pepelnjak recalls being mesmerized the moment she laid eyes on the girl smoking on the steps of New Yorks Union Square. She was so beautiful, says the photographer from her Minneapolis home. But I couldnt tell how old she was or what she was thinking. So she asked if she could take the teens picture, resulting in her ongoing photo-documentary project JoJo (on view with PCNW’s other Project Competition Award-winners). We see the 14-year-old careening about town in a mini skirt and fishnet stockings, chatting with cab drivers, cuddling in bed with her boyfriend, and playing with her dog. In one frame, she looks like a gorgeous 20-something socialite; in another, shes just another awkward teenager with greasy hair and pimples. But in none of the photos does she appear to be truly happy. These candid snaps raise countless questions about JoJos existence. No. 1 being, Where the hell are her parents? Is she homeless, a runaway, or what? Chandler-Pepelnjak intentionally omits out important details: I dont want it to be a reality show. I want to maintain a level of curiosity, so I only reveal little pieces of her life. (Also on display is work by winners in the contest’s sub-categories.) ERIKA HOBART
Mondays-Sundays, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Starts: Oct. 8. Continues through Nov. 25, 2009
