Fatherless
Photographs, 2011
“Fatherless” is a photographic story of girls who, for one reason or another, have spent their childhood fatherless. Their most vivid memories take shape in photographic visions and texts written by the girls themselves. “Where has father gone? I’ve often asked as I’ve considered the broken families of my friends, acquaintances, people around me. Why have so many children been raised by just their mothers? What happens to single mothers? What happens to single fathers? What happens to lonely kids? What happens to families? What happens to daughters who do not know their fathers? What happens to love? What is love? What makes a family? These stories are not just about fathers, not just about their lonely and not-so-lonely daughters, but also about mothers, about families, about women, men, and, ultimately – about love and fate. (I.B.)
Artist's Bio:
Media artist Ieva Balode demonstrates her creativity through photography, video and film, as well as installation art and graphic design. Balode is a graduate of the Visual Communication Department of the Art Academy of Latvia, and has studied at the Yrkeshögskolan Novia University in Finland. She has taken part in several group exhibitions in Riga (Pārmija / Switch, Laika Nav / No Time, Tikko Būs / As Soon As), and participated with her films in short film festivals 2ANNAS, Baltic Supershorts, Sleepwalkers a.o. Art intrigues her with its initial causes and the search for identity. (I.B.)