School girls in Laneway 

Here, Charles Blackman captures a snapshot of childhood in his painting, 'School girls in Laneway.' At first glance, we see the image of a child in a wide-brimmed hat, her back turned to us. The hat, an almost universal symbol of protection and concealment, is a motif that has been reinterpreted throughout history, from religious headdresses to fashion statements. Here, it evokes a sense of innocence, as the child stands at the edge of an alleyway. Notice another child that is presented almost as a dark silhouette in the background, suggesting a hidden aspect of childhood. The very setting itself, the alleyway, creates an atmosphere of uncertainty. It is a transitional space, neither fully public nor fully private. The motif of the child, forever caught between innocence and experience, safety and vulnerability, speaks to a timeless human drama. It cycles through art history, reappearing in countless forms, each reflecting the fears and dreams of its age.