Anthony Wilson's 'Mawmaw' Photographs West Virginia Grandmothers Raising Grandkids

Anthony Wilson's photo series 'Mawmaw' documents grandmothers in West Virginia who have become primary caregivers for their grandchildren after family tragedies. The project, featured in The New Yorker's photo booth, highlights the resilience and strength of these women, often referred to as 'mawmaws' in Appalachian vernacular. Wilson, a photographer from West Virginia, captures intimate portraits and domestic scenes that reveal the emotional and physical toll of caregiving, as well as the deep bonds between generations. The series sheds light on a growing phenomenon in the region, where opioid addiction, death, and other crises have led many grandparents to step into parental roles. Wilson's work has been exhibited in galleries and published in various outlets, bringing attention to this overlooked community.