Family Time 1984

Varnette Honeywood made this image called Family Time using cut paper and collage, and right away I’m intrigued by the process itself. She didn't blend, she chose to build it up. The textures in this piece are really something: patterned wall paper, gingham shirts, denim jeans, the light wood of the chair. It’s a playful mix of patterns and solid colors, all cut and layered, creating a shallow, intimate space. I notice how the black silhouettes of the family members really pop against these materials. Take the child's black hand, those fingers spread against their sibling's back. The collage of different patterns and colors suggests warmth, familiarity, and even a bit of organized chaos that anyone can recognise from family life. Honeywood's use of materials reminds me of Romare Bearden, and how collage can be a way to piece together narratives and memories. It's not just about what you see, but how you feel being folded into this vibrant, loving space.