In a cruel and violent world where people are growing more alienated, art is a powerful tool to bring us back together. The SFMOMA tries to do their bit by curating Kinship: Photography and Connection, an exhibition featuring the works of six contemporary photographers “who share a special affinity with their subjects” and whose oeuvre result “from deep relationships including friendship, ties to place, to community and beyond.
“One of SFMOMA's key institutional priorities is to foster deep connections with our community. Works from the diverse range of artists presented in Kinship beautifully illustrate the power of meaningful relationships and encourage connections with the art and with one another,” says Christopher Bedford, Helen and Charles Schwab Director of SFMOMA. “The distinct perspectives of this group of artists — from California and beyond — come together in celebration of kinship, and the many ways it can manifest,” he concludes.
The selected artists are Farah Al Qasimi, Mercedes Dorame, Jarod Lew, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Alessandra Sanguinetti, and Deanna Templeton. Each of them creates a sense of intimacy with the subjects they portray, whether they are relatives, friends, people on the streets or the landscapes surrounding them. With the aim to give them equal importance, the museum dedicates one gallery to the work of each photographer, where they show either specific series or a selection of work from their wide practice.
“After three years of feeling distant from people during the Covid-19 pandemic, I respond to the genuine feeling and connection to others in this work, and I hope visitors will, too,” adds Erin O’Toole, Curator and Head of Photography at SFMOMA. So grab your best friend, relative, or Tinder date and bring them to the museum to let them know that you care about your connection. No excuses, you have time until November 26.
The selected artists are Farah Al Qasimi, Mercedes Dorame, Jarod Lew, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Alessandra Sanguinetti, and Deanna Templeton. Each of them creates a sense of intimacy with the subjects they portray, whether they are relatives, friends, people on the streets or the landscapes surrounding them. With the aim to give them equal importance, the museum dedicates one gallery to the work of each photographer, where they show either specific series or a selection of work from their wide practice.
“After three years of feeling distant from people during the Covid-19 pandemic, I respond to the genuine feeling and connection to others in this work, and I hope visitors will, too,” adds Erin O’Toole, Curator and Head of Photography at SFMOMA. So grab your best friend, relative, or Tinder date and bring them to the museum to let them know that you care about your connection. No excuses, you have time until November 26.
Alessandra Sanguinetti, The Necklace, 1999; courtesy the artist; © Alessandra Sanguinetti
Deanna Templeton, Feed me, Huntington Beach, California, 2012; courtesy the artist; © Deanna Templeton
Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Darkroom Mirror (_2140603), 2018; courtesy the artist, Bortolami Gallery, New York, DOCUMENT, Chicago, and Vielmetter Los Angeles; © Paul Mpagi Sepuya
Jarod Lew, Pikachu and Friends (Liana), 2022; courtesy the artist; © Jarod Lew
Farah Al Qasimi, Cats in Swimming Pool, 2022; courtesy the artist; © Farah Al Qasimi
Mercedes Dorame, Abalone Congregation, from the series Everywhere is West, 2022; courtesy the artist; © Mercedes Dorame