Untitled (parents posed seated with young girl and boy standing in corner of room) by Martin Schweig

1943

Untitled (parents posed seated with young girl and boy standing in corner of room)

Listen to curator's interpretation

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Curatorial notes

Editor: Here we have an untitled photograph by Martin Schweig, showing a family portrait. It feels very posed and formal, like a statement. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's a fascinating inversion, isn't it? The negative renders the family as ghostly figures, forcing us to consider what a "normal" family portrait conceals. Who gets to participate in the nuclear family? Where is the queer family, the chosen family? Editor: That's a great point, it does make you question the traditional family unit. Curator: Exactly, and the lack of a date compels us to consider, is this meant to be a timeless portrayal or is its ambiguity highlighting something more profound about representation? Editor: I never thought of it that way, this has definitely broadened my perspective. Curator: Mine as well!