New American Gothic

The painting ‘American Gothic’ always holds my attention while I try to discern what is behind the expressions of the midwest father and daughter. Yes, this painting is supposed to be of a man and his daughter. The stoicism of the man contrasts with what I see as longing or sadness in the woman. Maybe she’s remembering events in the past or looking toward a future with little promise. I wanted to try to find a relation with these characters as I make a video portrait of my daughter and me based on our experiences. She shaves my beard as a metaphor for the change that is to come in both of our lives and maybe to expose who I really am. She recites memories to let me know who she really is - what made her her, and what role I played in her evolution. I stay silent to connect with the father figure in the painting and represent the substantial change of influence I will have in her life. All I can do now is let her go and be present to the times she still needs me.

It may be useful to note that my daughter’s only rules for this video were to a) shave me and b) tell me memories. There was no rehearsal and I had no idea what she was going to bring up.