“The Family” by Tamayo

In Tamayo’s painting, “The Family,” there are three prominent figures standing towards the forefront. To the left stands the mother, the father in the middle and the child to the right. Although they are large in size, their prominence is diverted towards a circular hoop hanging behind the mother and father. Next to the rope stands a tall building topped by a small sculpture of a bird. Behind them also flows dark red trees, matching the dark sky and red curtains that frame the family. The family possesses very dark skin while their faces wear blank expressions looking like masks. Compared to the more realistic and detailed elements of the painting their faces are blandly composed with simple outlines of a mouth, nose, and eyes. Matching their blank stares, they also stand very coldly. With the absence of emotion and closeness in their bodies, they demonstrate a sense of separation and divide among their family. Tamayo uses this image to demonstrate the type of family he grew up in compared to his later recreation of “The Family” in 1987, which contrast to this feeling of separation and instead shows a closer unity. In addition to the representation of his family, he also represents the mestizo, mixed race heritage that is not commonly mentioned. Compared to other artists Tamayo does not focus on political issues. His work demonstrates a concentration on different uses of color, perspectives and techniques that we see in this image.