Real Families: Stories of Change

Real Families: Stories of Change explores the concept of the family through art, examining new forms of family, family transitions, dynamics, and legacies. It includes reproductions of paintings, photography, and sculpture and prompts viewers to consider stereotyped beliefs about what makes a family and society's prejudice against childlessness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2023
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing Ltd

A family is a group of people who are related to each other by blood, marriage, or adoption. It is a social unit that plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's identity, values, and behavior. Families can vary widely in size, composition, and structure, and can be found in many different cultures and societies around the world.

One of the key aspects of family is the emotional bond that exists between its members. Families provide a sense of security, love, and support, and can help individuals navigate the challenges of life. Families can also be a source of conflict, as different members may have different opinions, values, and goals.

Family experiences can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including cultural background, socioeconomic status, and personal experiences. For example, families in poverty may face unique challenges, such as food insecurity, homelessness, and lack of access to education. Families in affluent communities may face different challenges, such as pressure to achieve academic success and maintain a certain social status.

Artists have long been interested in the family, and have used their work to explore the various aspects of family life. Real Families: Stories of Change is a recent exhibition that explores the concept of the family through the eyes of artists. The exhibition features twelve illuminating essays that discuss the concept of the family, and includes reproductions of paintings, photography, and sculpture.

The exhibition begins with the question, "What is a Family?" Artists portray new forms of family, including families formed by assisted reproduction and families with LGBTQ+ parents, as well as families affected by divorce, adoption, and infertility. These works prompt viewers to consider stereotyped beliefs about what makes a family and society's prejudice against childlessness.

The second section of the exhibition, "Family Transitions," explores the positive role that fathers play in families. Works on siblings speak to the dynamic and intense relationships that exist between siblings, and those on grandparents and grandchildren highlight the benefit of having each other in their lives. Artists also convey their complex feelings about their ageing parents.

The third section of the exhibition, "Family Dynamics," explores positive and negative relationships between couples, parents, and children, and extended family. Works that foreground affection and rejection, comfort and conflict, enmeshment, estrangement, and not fitting in are included. These works highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of family relationships.

One of the key themes of the exhibition is the impact of technology on family life. While technology has brought many benefits to families, it has also created new challenges. For example, social media has made it easier for families to stay connected, but it has also led to increased levels of anxiety and depression. Families may also struggle to balance work and family responsibilities, as more and more people work from home.

Another theme of the exhibition is the importance of family values. Family values can vary widely, but they typically include things such as love, respect, and responsibility. Families can help individuals develop these values by providing a supportive and nurturing environment.

The exhibition also includes a series of interactive installations that allow visitors to explore the various aspects of family life. For example, one installation allows visitors to create a family tree, while another allows visitors to create a family portrait. These installations help visitors to understand the importance of family and to connect with their own families.

In conclusion, Real Families: Stories of Change is a fascinating exhibition that explores the concept of the family through the eyes of artists. The exhibition features twelve illuminating essays that discuss the concept of the family, and includes reproductions of paintings, photography, and sculpture. The exhibition highlights the various aspects of family life, including the emotional bond that exists between its members, the positive role that fathers play, the impact of technology on family life, and the importance of family values. By exploring these themes, the exhibition helps visitors to understand the importance of family and to connect with their own families.

Weight: 840g
Dimension: 241 x 281 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913645519