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A FAMILY TRAIT

drawing, fine art, b&w, black and white, old photograph, vintage, 70's, portrait, family, family album, girls, christian carreau, artist, berlin, emerging artist,

A family trait "sisters", 2016
Pencils on canson
21x29,7 cm

drawing, fine art, b&w, black and white, old photograph, vintage, 70's, portrait, family, family album, boy, clown,  balloon, paris, childhood, christian carreau, artist, berlin, emerging artist

A family trait "green balloon France", 2023
Pencils on paper
20x20 cm

drawing, fine art, b&w, black and white, old photograph, vintage, 70's, portrait, family, family album, girls, christian carreau, artist, berlin, emerging artist,

A family trait "unknown", 2018
Pencils on canson
21x29,7 cm

drawing, fine art, b&w, black and white, old photograph, vintage, 70's, portrait, family, family album, girls, mask, rabbit, dance, kermesse, childhood, christian carreau, artist, berlin, emerging artist,

A family trait "kermesse 96", 2018
Pencils on canson
21x29,7 cm

drawing, fine art, b&w, black and white, old photograph, vintage, 70's, portrait, family, family album, girls, christian carreau, artist, berlin, emerging artist

A family trait "sisters on the front door steps", 2018
Pencils on canson
84x118 cm

drawing, fine art, b&w, black and white, old photograph, vintage, 70's, portrait, family, family album, girls, christian carr

A family trait "communion", 2018
Pencils on canson
21x29,7 cm

Series of black and white pencil drawings delves into the forgotten faces within family photo albums, capturing portraits from different eras.

Drawing from my family's picture archives, these works highlight individuals who, despite being part of the family, have faded into obscurity,, even my parents struggle to remember their identities. These figures, like ghosts, linger in our lives through their photographs, serving as the last remnants of their existence. They possess secrets they can no longer share, standing as silent witnesses to the passage of time.

As we ourselves age and add to these albums, we too become ghosts, our childhood photos mere proof of our existence, evoking a sense of nostalgia and disconnection.

Initially driven by my adoption and a desire to reconnect with a family history that isn't biologically mine, this project raises broader questions about identity and legacy. Regardless of being adopted or not, every child is born into a narrative far beyond their understanding. Our identities are shaped by the actions and models set by our parents and their parents before them, including family traumas and traditions. These ghosts, both forgotten ancestors and our own younger selves, deeply influence our lives and behaviors, molding who we are today.

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Artworks available for purchase are visible on our shop page

© 2020 - Christian Carreau

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