ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Sally Mann's 'Candy Cigarette' at Paris Photo 2019

exhibition · 2026-04-23

At Paris Photo 2019, the Edwynn Houk Gallery presented Sally Mann's iconic photograph 'Candy Cigarette' (1989) at the Grand Palais from November 7-10. The image, part of Mann's family series shot between 1985 and 1994, depicts her daughter Jessie holding a chocolate cigarette, with siblings Virginia and Emmett in the background. The photograph sparked controversy during the American culture wars of the 1980s-90s, not for nudity but for the candy cigarette, which critics deemed inappropriate. Mann's recent exhibition 'Mille et un passages' at Jeu de Paume (June 18-September 22, 2019) focused on her landscapes, omitting this piece. The work captures Jessie's complex expression—arrogance, fragility, and gravity—at age eight.

Key facts

  • Sally Mann's 'Candy Cigarette' was shown at Paris Photo 2019.
  • The photograph was displayed at the Edwynn Houk Gallery booth.
  • Paris Photo took place at the Grand Palais, Paris, from November 7-10, 2019.
  • The image was created in 1989 as part of Mann's family series.
  • It features Mann's daughters Jessie and Virginia, and son Emmett.
  • The photograph caused controversy in the 1980s-90s US culture wars.
  • Mann's exhibition 'Mille et un passages' was at Jeu de Paume in 2019.
  • Jessie Mann was eight years old when the photo was taken.

Entities

Artists

  • Sally Mann
  • Jessie Mann
  • Virginia Mann
  • Emmett Mann

Institutions

  • Edwynn Houk Gallery
  • Paris Photo
  • Grand Palais
  • Jeu de Paume

Locations

  • Paris
  • France
  • New York
  • United States

Sources