Visual Arts – Adult Child

It is uncommon to find art that reflects – or even hints at – the complex dynamics between adults and their parents, especially in-law relationships. As we build this gallery, we came across four exceptional illustrations of these relationships – each one illustrating the ideas and passions of being whole, alone, and with family.

Click on an image to reveal more information about the artwork. Please leave your comments and suggestions below.

George Dawe, Naomi and her Daughters. Exhibited 1804. UK.

George Dawe, Naomi and her Daughters. Exhibited 1804. Oil on canvas. 961×769 mm. Tate collection. http://www.tate.org.uk/art/work/T05746. Fair Use.

Frida Kahlo, My Grandparents, My Parents, and I (a.k.a. Family Tree). 1936. Mexico.

Frida Kahlo, My Grandparents, My Parents, and I (Family Tree). 1936. Oil and tempera on zinc. 12 1/8 x 13 5/8″ (30.7 x 34.5 cm). © 2015 Banco de México Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo Museums Trust, Mexico, D.F. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Fair Use.

Judith Redman, Extended Estranged Family. 2010. USA.

Artist Statement: “Art has helped me to heal my wounds…I love to do paintings that evoke feelings in myself and others. Some of my work is very raw because it comes from my heart and gut. It is about real situations, real people, real feelings…Any good paintings I’ve done, I have help from someone…My paintings are my life and my emotions in visible form.” Visit Redman’s website.

Judith Redman, Extended Estranged Family, 2010, Watercolor on Paper, 14 x 11 in. Copyright and permission by artist.

Sandra Small Proudfoot, Wall of Silence. 2016. Canada.

Artist Statement: “Margery Williams’ book, The Velveteen Rabbit, inspired this art quilt focused on family estrangements. Rabbit, rejected by the child who loved him, asks the Skin Horse, “when a child loves you for a long long time…does it hurt?” Always truthful, the Skin Horse replies: “Sometimes.” www.sandysmallproudfoot.com

Sandra Small Proudfoot, Wall of Silence. 2016. Quilt. Photographed by Pete Paterson, Caledon, Ontario, Canada. Copyright and permission by the artist.