STRANGELY FAMILIAR

This project challenges the idealized family portrait, where we often pose to present a polished and perfected version of ourselves, masking the more complex dynamics that exist within families. Family photos have traditionally been a way to create a narrative of happiness and togetherness, but they rarely capture the unfiltered reality. By incorporating tights into my portraits, I distorted familiar faces, subverting the traditional "happy family" aesthetic and creating a sense of distance and discomfort. Through this work, I aim to encourage viewers to question the authenticity of the "happy family" narrative and reflect on the performative nature of family photography, which often prioritizes appearances over reality, concealing the imperfections that make family relationships both challenging and meaningful.