Veteran The New Yorker artist Chris Ware pitched the idea of creating an animated cover for readers and sought out This American Life’s Ira Glass to supply audio for inspiration.
The audio itself stems from production of a December 2014 episode of Glass’ popular radio show and podcast, but was cut for time.
As narrated to Glass by writer and NPR host Hanna Rosin, the animation concerns her guilt at absent-mindedly expressing to her daughter that she looks “so much better” after she first tries on make-up.
The worry and panic of potentially jeopardising the confidence of a child are conveyed in Ware’s beautifully vivid images that flash across the screen, full of visions of future therapy sessions and a very parental form of anxiety.
It’s a brief, tender portrait of an everyday scenario that carries significant emotional weight.
Watch the ‘Mirror’ animation above and check it out on the December 7 digital edition of The New Yorker on iPads and smartphones.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
The LGBT Travellers fundraising for survival
This Christmas, Traveller Pride are raising money to continue supporting LGBT Travellers (used inclusively) across the country through the festive season and on into next year, here’s how you can support them.
Written by: Percy Henderson
The fight to save Bristol’s radical heart
As the city’s Turbo Island comes under threat activists and community members are rallying round to try and stop the tide of gentrification.
Written by: Ruby Conway
Gaza Sunbirds: The Palestinian para-cycling team racing against the odds to compete internationally
From genocide in Gaza to the World Championships: What next for Palestine’s first para-cycling team?
Written by: Alex King
We are young trans people occupying Wes Streeting’s office
Following the Health Secretary’s decision to permanently ban puberty blockers for young Trans people, activists from Trans Kids Deserve Better have occupied the space outside his constituency office writes Grin.
Written by: Grin, Trans Kids Deserve Better
Have capitalists killed the internet?
At the start of the century, the internet was an escape from reality. Now, reality is an escape from the internet writes Huck Newsletter columnist Emma Garland.
Written by: Emma Garland
Why I’m taking action for rent control
On Saturday 14th December, people from across London will march to demand action on skyrocketing rents explains London Renters Union member Elyem Chej.
Written by: Elyem Chej