'Modern Family' -

This painting was inspired by a series of photographs taken by my father during his youth in Hackney, where he grew up as part of the expanding West Indian community that arrived in Britain with the Windrush generation. Many, including his own family, came in search of better opportunities, building lives while preserving their cultural heritage. Aspiring to be a photographer, my father often took on work photographing weddings and family portraits—images that have since become an important part of British history, documenting the diverse communities that shaped the nation.

One of his photographs captures a young interracial couple on their wedding day, a relationship that, at the time, remained a societal taboo. In the image, the couple stands together, happy but subtly restrained, aware of the discomfort radiating from the family members posing beside them. I have always been drawn to this series because of its duality—the visible tension of tradition clashing with change, set against the undeniable warmth between the couple. Yet, despite the underlying unease, there is also something unexpectedly humorous about it. The expressions, the stiff postures, the silent but palpable emotions—all evoke a universal experience: the moment of pushing boundaries, confronting unspoken truths, and navigating generational divides.

Being mixed-race myself, raised by parents from two distinct cultural backgrounds, I deeply relate to the dynamic captured in these portraits. I have firsthand experience of the subtle glances, the quiet disapproval, and the challenge of existing between two worlds that don’t always understand each other. While this was not always an easy space to inhabit, it reinforced my appreciation for the strength of love—the resilience it takes to overcome societal expectations and create a family that thrives despite them.

Looking back, I can now find humour in some of those moments, just as I see humour in these photographs. What was once controversial now seems almost absurd, a testament to how far we have come. But while progress has been made, there are still many parts of the world where these realities remain a struggle. I believe that continued dialogue—through art, storytelling, and representation—plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers. This painting is my own contribution to that conversation, offering a modern interpretation of a family, not only about to open the doors to the challenges of navigating through life and partnership as an interracial couple but to also that of a blended family. By shedding light on these narratives in a way that is neither rooted in conflict nor obscured by darkness, I hope to foster a perspective that is more open, understanding, and ultimately, hopeful.