Hyperallergic has curated a roundup of 10 contemporary artists whose work explores fatherhood in its many forms, including immigrant dads, absent dads, flawed dads, and adopted father figures. Featured artists include Arleene Correa Valencia, whose series "Antes de mí" combines family photographs and etchings to chronicle her father's undocumented journey from Mexico to the US; Amanda Ross-Ho, who recreated her Chinese immigrant father's prop portfolio in a sculptural installation; and Larry W. Cook, who examines fatherhood through photography. The article was published on Father's Day and highlights how these artists use personal narratives to address broader themes of family, migration, and identity.
This roundup matters because it shifts the focus from historical depictions of fatherhood—such as Goya's "Saturn Devouring His Son"—to contemporary, diverse perspectives that reflect the complexities of modern fatherhood. By featuring artists from varied backgrounds, the article underscores how fatherhood can be a lens for exploring immigration, resilience, and intergenerational dreams. It also demonstrates how visual art can serve as a powerful medium for personal and political storytelling, challenging traditional notions of family and masculinity in the art world.