[suit.a.ble] Track to the Future
Drawing an ultramodern parallel to Grant’s American Gothic, this tableau offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the archetypal rural family, exploring the realities of postindustrial life in a small mountain town. Here, the lens captures a self-assured and bespectacled couple on the threshold between their public and very private lives; it captures the increasingly blurred distinction between urban and rural spaces as well as the concurrent and profound impact of technological change on social and familial norms.
The canvas highlights the impossible societal expectation to simultaneously conform and rebel against the multifaceted demands of contemporary parental life. The woman’s burgeoning pregnancy belly becomes a poignant symbol of resilience and empowerment—a celebration of the modern professional woman’s ability to navigate the complexities of career and family on her own terms, regardless of location and in defiance of the kafkaesque and contradictory requirements of social convention. Her countenance both embraces the sensual power of postmodern femininity while simultaneously rejecting the judging gaze of the omnipresent patriarchy. The man’s confident stance signifies his allyship and secure position as an equal partner in the couple’s sophisticated dance, a dance that deftly navigates the myriad complexities of work, life and society towards the ultimate expression of their spirits that transcends the mundane.
The bold juxtaposition of the couple’s urban streetwear set against the subdued backdrop of the front steps of their dwelling conveys the disruption of the traditional tapestry of family life. At their feet lies a slushie, a flippant yet powerful symbol of the concessions, contradictions and compromises inherent in the modern professional family’s pursuit of success. Its vibrant colour and icy texture serve as a reminder of the fleeting pleasures of convenience that punctuate the rigours and rituals of each passing day.
We are privileged to witness the couple carve out new societal conventions that transcend late stage capitalism and post-truth narratives, creating an oasis of familiarity and hope in an otherwise absurd sea of ritualistic vapidness. For behind the veneer of ostentatious consumerism, fast fashion and single use plastics lies a profound truth: that true richness lies not in material possessions, but in the depth of one's connections within the authenticity of one's relationships to one’s self and to others.
Thanks to Cam Whitehead for the very suitable writing
This photograph is one of 10 images produced for the [suit.a.ble] photo exhibition on March 2nd. If you would like to read about the exhibition itself CLICK HERE