The idea for this artwork came from something left behind—a photograph of a family that the artist found in her New York studio. Look at the photo and notice how it is different from the sculpture. Then look for objects Marisol found and used to make the sculpture.
Now move back and imagine you are one of the people in this family. Copy their facial expressions and poses. What might they be thinking or feeling?
Kids label from 2022
Made primarily of blocks of wood, Marisol’s sculptures combine painting and figurative drawing with found objects—such as the sneakers and door in The Family. “In the beginning,” the artist explained, “I drew on a piece of wood because I was going to carve it, and then I noticed that I didn’t have to carve it, because it looked as if it was carved already.” This work was based on a photograph of a family whose worn clothes and shoes suggest hardscrabble circumstances; with characteristic warmth and wit, Marisol has translated their dignity and charisma into three dimensions.
Gallery label from 2020
