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| Family Reunion, Family Pictures and Stories |
Taking a glance at Carrie Mae Weems
Family Reunion photo it may seem as if it’s just a normal family picture that
you take at one of the family get together. Indeed it is but this photo tells a
deeper story than just a family portrait. It was actually a response to Daniel
Patrick Moynihan report, The Negro Family:
The Case for National Action, basically saying the black family structure
is weak. Moynihan stated in his article “First, it appears that the family
which evolved within the isolated world of the Negro folk will become
increasingly disorganized” (pg.13), which I believe is what Weem tackled in her
photograph. Weem felt as if his statement was inaccurate towards the black
community so she decided to express her opinion through her photography
pointing out that the black family is not disorganized. The photo is a part of
a Weems series, Family Pictures and
Stories, 1981–1982, which includes nine more captivating pictures that
fights against Moynihan statement about the black family structure.
I’m familiar with most of Weems body of work,
seeing that her photography targets family relationships, cultural identity,
sexism, class, political systems, and the consequences of power. Her
photography is mostly black and white which made me think about a quote in Susan
Sontag book, On Photography, that stated
“many photographers continue to prefer black and white images, which are felt
to be more tactful, more decorous than color or less voyeuristic and less
sentimental or crudely lifelike”(pg.128).
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| March, Queen of Nanny the Maroons |
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| Renee Porch ,Queen of Nanny the Maroons |
The photos above show Renee surrounded by many children on both a porch and walking. The photo is meant to be seen as if Renee is taking care of the children.
Weems images do give off a thoughtful modest vibe when you view them, making the images black and white allows them to have more depth and meaning. When I actually look at them I get a Renee Cox
feel. Both photographers explore the topics of political and cultural identity frequently
in their work. Renee Cox series, Queen of Nanny the Maroons, really
connects to Weems series. They both display unity within the black community. Renee’s
work displays more of a bold nurturing and cultured perception of the black
family while Weem shows a more urbanized and in the now view. Each artist finds
a way to show unity and togetherness of the black people. Disproving Moynihan
statement about the black family being weak and headed for destructing. When in actuality but photographers shows examples of how black families are more into togetherness.
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| No Title Available, Family Pictures and Stories |
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| Nanny Church Lady, Queen of Nanny the Maroons |
Both Weem and Renee confronts the
theme of cultural identity, but what’s appealing is how they differ because of their
setting. In these series there are obvious differences, Weems photographs are modern
or American black family based. Showing how black families are stable and not
trying to corrupt each other in America, instead shows them caring for one
another. Displaying togetherness and the everyday image of a black family in America.
In some images their happy faces, sad, and even emotionless faces. Their
expressions give more detail and background to the photos story making want to
look in deeper. Renee on the other hand approaches the theme of in a more
nature based environment, her setting I believe is in Africa. Her photographs
show vulnerability yet strength, I believe it’s because her role in the
pictures is meant to be strong yet soft since there are children involved. The photographs of the women in
both series show strength and determination, as if they have been through more than
a black woman should, but still gives off a gritty feel like a don’t test me
type of ambiance. These series relate because they both have a sense of achievement
and beating the odds in my eyes.
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