In the 1980s, Larry Sultan and Tina Barney reinvigorated portraiture by turning their lenses on their own families to document their personal histories. These images record intimate moments these artists have elected to share and offer a glimpse into the private world most choose to reserve behind closed doors. The familiarity of these photographs belies a more elaborate process behind the lens. Having a parent, spouse or sibling who is a photographer means living with the constant presence of the camera.
These subjects are accustomed to an observer who is also an inseparable part of their daily lives. “Close to Home” presents photographs made during the past three decades by both established and emerging artists. It features 32 color and black-and-white photographs from the museum’s permanent collection by nine contemporary photographers: Barney, Virginia Beahan, Christopher Dawson, Muriel Hasbun, Martina Lopez, Elaine O’Neil, Sultan, Margaret Strickland and Carrie Will. The exhibition includes many new acquisitions on view at the museum for the first time. Toby Jurovics, formerly the museum’s curator of photography, selected the photographs in the installation.
Until July 24
Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th and F Streets, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
