The funny thing about love is that lovers and parents think their beloved is extraordinary. Others might not realize the unique superiority of the person, but the one who loves them believes that their amazing attributes are beyond dispute.
But Los Angeles-based artist Kristen S. Wilkins's humorous and insightful photographs playfully mock this misconception. By erasing sitters' facial features from found cameo portraits, Wilkins makes clear that our 'lovable' qualities are often properly seen only through a powerful, specific, emotional lens.
For example, in her Untitled # 25 digital print, a father protectively cradles a dozing baby in his strong arms. He wears a respectable open-collared shirt and the chubby infant is neatly dressed in pretty baby clothes, but the protective Papa lacks something important: he is completely headless. Yet despite this deficiency, he seems to be parenting his child well. Despite the perennial nature or nurture debates, the image seems to argue, infants are bundles of needs at this stage in their development, and whoever meets effectively them can be awarded the title of "Parent."
But children are no more indistinguishable than their care-givers. Wilkins has digitally altered vintage photographs Untitled #1 and Untitled #31 to erase the children's' faces, leaving smooth, clear ovals instead. Nicely dressed, and neatly presented, these kids are clearly pampered and loved. But who are they? Who will they be? Who cares? Thankfully, the loved ones who made the photographs did.
To see more of Kristen S Wilkins work registered on Saatchi Online click here.
Ana Finel Honigman
ANA FINEL HONIGMAN is a critic, PhD candidate in art history at Oxford University and Senior London Correspondent for the Saatchi Gallery's online magazine. She is Art Editor of Alef (alefmag.com) and contributes regularly to such publications as Style.com, Grazia, Tank, Sleek and Harper's Bazaar.
)
)
)