Polish artist Aneta Grzeszykowska invites viewers into her unique exploration of identity with two compelling photo series currently on display in New York: "Mama" (2018) and "Daughter" (2025). In "Mama," Grzeszykowska created a lifelike doll of herself for her daughter to play with, while in "Daughter," she dons a mask of her 14-year-old self, posing alongside her family, including her now-teenage daughter.
"Mama" is featured in the "New Humans" exhibition at the recently reopened New Museum, and has also been showcased at the 2022 Venice Biennale's "Milk of Dreams." Meanwhile, "Daughter" is on view at Lyles & King gallery in New York until May 9 and is part of the "Adolescence" group show at the Zachęta National Gallery of Art in Warsaw. These series build upon Grzeszykowska's previous work, particularly her 2005 series "Album," where she removed her own image from family photographs, leaving an evocative absence.
Grzeszykowska describes her artistic practice as a blend of real-life scenarios and staged performances, often involving her family. "In 'Mama,' I created a doll that represented me and gave it to my daughter. The 'Daughter' series allows me to navigate my life story through the lens of my younger self, creating a hybrid identity that reflects the complexities of adolescence," she explains.
By collaborating with family members, Grzeszykowska shifts the dynamics within her family. In "Mama," the playful interactions between her daughter and the doll challenge traditional parent-child roles. In "Daughter," the mask she wears limits her vision, adding an element of unpredictability to her interactions with family members during the photo sessions. "I construct a performative situation, allowing my family to influence the outcome," she notes, emphasizing her role as both creator and observer.
Her innovative approach extends to the creation of the mask, crafted by friends from the Academy of Fine Arts who specialize in prop-making. Grzeszykowska aims to evoke genuine emotion within the artifice of her work, striving for moments of truth amidst the constructed realities.
The artist reflects on her daughter's perception of her work, noting that children raised in artistic environments often have a unique understanding of art. "She appreciates the beauty in my creations," Grzeszykowska shares, revealing the bond they share through art, which transcends traditional mother-daughter conversations.
As Grzeszykowska navigates the complexities of identity and motherhood, she believes her work resonates with viewers on multiple levels. "I want people to feel as if they are experiencing a tragicomedy through my images, reflecting the multifaceted nature of life," she concludes.
This artistic exploration not only challenges conventional narratives surrounding identity and motherhood but also invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences, potentially reshaping perceptions of familial relationships and self-identity.