Real Families: Stories of Change at The Fitzwilliam Museum
Family, a seemingly straightforward and familiar concept, has undergone profound transformations over the past five decades. These changes, influenced by advancements in science and technology, as well as a newfound acceptance of long-suppressed identities and communities, have reshaped the very fabric of familial bonds.
Real Families: Stories of Change, an exhibition featuring over 120 artworks spanning painting, photography, sculpture, and film, prompts us to reevaluate the essence of contemporary families and their impact on individuals. Through the lens of today's artists, the exhibition challenges us to ponder what defines a family in the present day.
In addition to significant contributions from both UK and international artists, the display incorporates historical masterpieces by the likes of Joshua Reynolds, Nicolas Poussin, and Albrecht Dürer. These classics unveil the evolving portrayal of family life throughout art history. Meanwhile, modern artists such as Aliza Nisenbaum and JJ Levine question the conventional notion of families being composed solely of two married heterosexual parents and their biological offspring. Portraits by Celia Paul and Lucian Freud serve as poignant reminders that every family undergoes transformation over time.
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The works of artists like Jim Goldberg, Tracey Emin, and Paula Rego defy the stereotypical notions of 'happy' and 'unhappy' families. Instead, they reveal how family dynamics are shaped by the relationships between its members and the surrounding environments. Cathy Wilkes, Hardeep Pandhal, and others explore how each family imprints its influence on the succeeding generations, considering biological, social, and cultural factors.
A dedicated spotlight on the artist Chantal Joffe showcases ten paintings spanning the last two decades. These artworks vividly capture the joys, tensions, and complexities of her family experience, inviting viewers to delve into the intricate dynamics of modern family relationships.
Developed in collaboration with the renowned Centre for Family Research in Cambridge, Real Families underscores that the essence of a family lies not in its composition but in the quality of its relationships and the societal context in which it exists.
Tracey Emin
After Ishbel Myerscough, All, 2016, Real Families: Stories of Change
Alice Neel, pictured work depicting twins, which brings forth the idea that these artists were approaching portraiture in similar ways within their own mediums.
Dirck van Baburen, (circa 1594/1595–1624)
Untitled (Possil, At Last) 2013 is a multi-part installation by the Northern Irish artist Cathy Wilkes. Incorporates five handmade mannequin-type figures dressed in nineteenth-century fabrics, positioned alongside other historic materials arranged on the ground.
Jim Goldberg
A woman views Mother And Child II, left by Chantal Joffe in the Real Families: Stories of Change exhibition
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