Alix Smith – States of Union

www.alixsmith.com and www.statesofunion.com and the project’s blog.

“States of Union is a series of color portrait photographs of gay and lesbian couples and families. The photographs that make up States of Union are loosely based on classical paintings. By drawing upon classical images, the tropes used to promote heterosexual family units can be re-appropriated and reinvented to serve a more expanded view of family. In so doing, the viewer may recognize something familiar about the image and may feel a kinship with these families who might otherwise look and feel unrecognizable. Thus, the aim of this project is twofold. First, to present images that defy popular awareness by showing gay and lesbian couples and families in familiar and “normative” settings. Second, by presenting a collection of images that call into question preconceived notions of gay and lesbian families, the project both challenges those who continue to malign the notion of gay and lesbian families, and creates positive role models for the gay and lesbian community.”