Fatherhood and care through times of change and illness
This work is a portrait of my father and our relationship. The change of his physical condition in the last few years requires us to rethink how we can care for one another. What kind of support is possible now? Which new opportunities might even come up?
Text: Photos: Francis Grill
© Francis Grill
© Francis Grill
My dad was always the one who supported my artistic path—whether it was drawing, dancing or now sports and photography. I’ve definitely inherited my creativity from him, though I realized that way later. After my parents separated early, I grew up with him.
© Francis Grill
© Francis Grill
He built our house himself and is always building new things or fixing old ones. My dad is a trained mechanic. Even though his work is very hands-on, his solutions are always creative. Only in recent years did I realize that, in a way, one could also call him an „artist“.
© Francis Grill
© Francis Grill
© Francis Grill
© Francis Grill
His circumstances and opportunities were simply very different, so the outcome is, too. Now his work isn’t shown in galleries or magazines—it’s practical and made to serve a purpose, depending on what’s needed at the moment.
© Francis Grill
At first, my dad wasn’t too happy about our photo project, even though he used to take photos and shoot videos himself. However, he wanted to help. In the end, he prepared himself, and at the second shooting he was completely relaxed.
© Francis Grill
Physical closeness was never a big part of our relationship, but the series required it—and, I think, it was quite comfortable for both of us. At least he really likes the photos now.
© Francis Grill
A project on the theme of M(OTHER)ING, realized in collaboration with the Applied Photography and Time-Based Media class led by Prof. Maria Ziegelböck at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. Created as part of Yasmina Haddad's MATCH! #4 course.
The interrelationship between photography, fashion, and casting is examined, with a focus on the relationship between photographer and subject—and vice versa. The mother figure is not meant biologically, but is considered through acts of care:
m(other)ing is a verb.
mothers mother
fathers mother
friends mother
(you can be the mother of a house)
Are you maternal? Or are you mom? Like, queen?*
Francis Grill (born 1999 in Linz) lives in Vienna and studies applied photography and timebased media at the University of Applied Arts. They are an artist working in a multidisciplinary field with a focus on photography. Their work is regularly presented in renowned exhibitions.
Models: Heinz Grill, Francis Grill
big thanks to:
Yasmina Haddad and the team of applied photography and timebased media (University of applied arts, Vienna) for the support and to Elodie Grethen for the equipment.
