Jessie Bites, 1985; Gelatin-silver print

Family Pictures, an exhibition exploring the representation of families and children in contemporary photography and video, will be on view at the Guggenheim from February 9 through April 16, 2007.

Untitled (pregnant woman/pool), 1999; Laser direct C-print

The exhibition, drawn from the museum’s collection, includes more than 40 pieces of documentary style, staged or manipulated work by 16 artists.

Oliver in a Tutu, 2004; C-print

This exhibition (organized by Jennifer Blessing, Curator of Photography, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum), first appeared at the Galleria Gottardo, Lugano, Switzerland, in 2005.

Untitled #3 (wonder), 1996; C-print

Since its inception in the mid-19th century, photography has been used to represent the bonds of family, whether through portraiture or documents of important family milestones.

Isabella, 2001; Ilfochrome print

In these images, fleeting moments of childhood are captured and preserved, and the family unit is fixed for posterity.

Untitled #1 (wonder), 1996; C-print

Many contemporary artists create portraits of children, even their own, expanding on both the vernacular tradition as well as the representation of youth in the history of art.

Self-Portrait at Three Years Old, 2004; Digital C-type print

Other artists look to harness the power of childhood memory in adult life through their fictional renditions of past traumatic events.

Mom and Dad, 1994; Three Ilfochrome prints

The themes presented in Family Pictures concern the relationship between parents and children, the definition of gender and gender roles, the formation of the ego, and the often traumatic memories of childhood.

Useless, 1974, 1994; Photolithograph on paper

A fully illustrated bilingual catalogue (Italian and English), which accompanied the exhibition at Galleria Gottardo in Lugano, Switzerland, is available. More On the Exhibition
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