Linda ~ a perfect description of the Lux photographs. I didn't realize it until you mentioned it, but scale plays a large part in this work. You are right, that because they are small (12"x12"), you have to lean in to notice things like: Isabella's rosy cheeks, her eerily blue eyes and porcelain lips. Even the landscape in the distance ~ which makes the experience of viewing Lux's portraits an intimate moment w/ art. That's the hook, and I can't look away either.
When I first saw the work ~ I was instantly struck by how much Isabella resembled a friend's daughter, Blake. It is the reason I purchased the image ~ and told them so at the time. Study of a Boy I & II looked like my young cousin, Cooper, and that's why I purchased them. It really wasn't until I had the work at home that I realized how captivating, and slightly unhuman, they seemed.
The reaction I get from visitors is decisive. They either love the work, or hate it. Not much middle ground.

For me Loretta Lux's images speak to insecurities within us - the feelings of being different or not like other people or just not fitting in to the world. The distortions echo the personal commentaries of our minds - "I hate my forehead. It's too high.", " My lips are too thin.", "My head is too big for my body." - which are propagated by the commercial images of unattainable, air-brushed, perfectly proportioned models. The surreal backdrops add to this feeling of distance and not belonging here. By using children as subjects, she makes us more aware of this flaw within. We are reminded that children do not think this way. They do not self-deprecate themselves. It's an adult foible to notice the "imperfections". This feeling became more distinct after seeing Loretta's self potrait in the book in the reading library. (http://www.lorettalux.de/hush.htm ) Her eyes are enlarged and spread out, and her skin waxen. She holds up a finger to hush the voice saying she doesn't belong.

You can find more Lux images online at her website: http://www.lorettalux.de/

and at the gallery:
http://www.yossimilogallery.com/
http://www.yossimilogallery.com/artists/lore_lux/

Just two comments that came to my mind when reading this: First, the comment that the photos are "small" struck me as ... I don't know as what really. But I don't think photos necessarily have to be so big to work (now that coming from a German must be weird!). I actually think that 12"x12" (or even somewhat smaller) is a perfect size as it allows the viewer to get to a somewhat more personal interaction with the photo. Second, I'm not sure I am as psyched about Loretta's photos as everybody else. Sure, they're nice, but they're also artificial. The children look very cute and outerworldly, but the artist used quite a bit of digital work to make them look that way. So when Robert says that children aren't aware of any problems with their bodies that's certainly true, but it's an interesting statement anyway when looking at images of children which are, to use that analogy, as airbrushed as celebrities on magazine covers.

I have a belief that things happen for a reason. There was a reason I so happen to stumble onto North Carolinas museum site... I have never seen Lorretas work. Though I have tried a few of my own shots that have the clouds in the background..My kids can be very serious at times and even if I was the funniest thing on the planet they will not crack a smile... My shots are not nearly as good as Lorretas so her studies have giving me a insight to photographing children. Even in a perfect world, a child at play, can be very happy but will not show the emotion. Its like their brains are working as they amuse themselves. I like the unreal, make belief, quiet, and simplicity, in all of the images I viewed in her gallery here http://www.lorettalux.de/ ..Defanetely a insparation to another look at childrens portraits as well as art in todays world. Society has put a lot of stress and expectations on children. Shcools and extra curricular activities drain a child as much as it does the parents. I think Lorettas images show some of the emotions a child goes through when they are changing, growing, learning, or pshyced out about something like the pressures...