Family A c. 1958 - 1959

Robert Frank’s “Family A” is made of photographic film and tape, ordinary materials from everyday life. The look of the work depends on the material qualities of this medium. The film strips present small windows onto family life. Frank has arranged these segments to be read, inviting us into the domestic space. But this order is disrupted by torn edges and messy tape. The dark and grainy nature of the black and white film is also important. It's tied to the history of photojournalism, a tradition rooted in capturing reality. Frank brings these techniques and aesthetics to this piece, but treats the material in a painterly way. His approach acknowledges the hand of the artist, challenging traditional notions about photography as an objective medium. The image is not pristine or polished, but full of imperfections, reminding us of the labor involved in its creation. Ultimately, “Family A” encourages us to look beyond the surface of the image and think about the material, making, and social context that have shaped its meaning.