Untitled (parents posed seated with young girl and boy standing in corner of room) 1943

Editor: Here we have an untitled photograph by Martin Schweig, showing a family portrait. It feels very posed and formal, like a statement. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's a fascinating inversion, isn't it? The negative renders the family as ghostly figures, forcing us to consider what a "normal" family portrait conceals. Who gets to participate in the nuclear family? Where is the queer family, the chosen family? Editor: That's a great point, it does make you question the traditional family unit. Curator: Exactly, and the lack of a date compels us to consider, is this meant to be a timeless portrayal or is its ambiguity highlighting something more profound about representation? Editor: I never thought of it that way, this has definitely broadened my perspective. Curator: Mine as well!