Tending family
Many of us are at an age (or soon will be) where roles will be reversed between parent and child. My mom’s slippage into dementia was gradual. I first noticed this when I asked her how her colonoscopy went the day before. She had to ask my dad if she had been to the doctor. Now, no one actually remembers their own colonoscopy (thank you, general anesthesia!), but you will remember prepping for it and going. My mom had no recollection of any of those events. Thankfull, she had my dad to care for her.
She became more blissful rather than belligerent as the disease took a stronger foothold. She often looked in the mirror at herself, like a child discovering their reflection for the very first time.
Sometimes photographers get stuck thinking that they have to work outside of their personal experience to find an exciting subject. Most of the time, we are living the experience which we should be photographing. There are many examples of this, but the recent ones that come to mind are Elinor Carucci, Phil Toledano, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Neil Kramer, Cheryle St. Onge, and Nancy Borowick.
Sometimes, we are interrupted by family events which often prove to be the spark to start making pictures. Even if family has not been the main subject for you, it’s something to consider. It might be right there in front of you. It might be funny, tragic, or boring, but it’s all yours, just waiting for you to pay attention to it.
What story are you ready to share?
New York, New York
Deadline: November 8, 2021
Open to emerging New York-based artists, working in photography or lens-based art. Residents shall have free use of the facilities and equipment at Baxter St at CCNY, as well as a secondary photo lab. Juried by a committee of distinguished art professionals.
Michael Foley opened his gallery in the fall of 2004 after fourteen years of working with notable photography galleries, including Fraenkel Gallery, Howard Greenberg Gallery, and Yancey Richardson Gallery.
In 2002, Foley continued his interest in educating and working with artists by serving on the School of Visual Arts and International Center of Photography faculty. He currently teaches and lectures on contemporary photography issues at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
In 2020, he founded The Photo Community, which offers classes and commentary on contemporary photography.
Foley lives and works on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.