Basic Social Unit Hierarchies

The project Basic Social Hierarchies focuses on matriarchal and patriarchal elements within the basic social unit - a family. Based on my partner's and my genealogical histories, I study the distinction between these two models. I investigate generational (three generations), ethnographic, and geographic (Poland and Canada) differences and transformations regarding gender-imposed roles within the studied families. I hope that the creative process and the installation, culminating my research, will, to some extent, elucidate my position and identity as a woman in my own family.

The catalyst for this project was my curiosity about how our different histories and experiences have shaped our understanding of the partnership in a domestic context. I want to be aware of any behavioural tendencies we both might have inherited and inserted into our home life. I hope this work inspires my audience to revisit the homes they come from and to analyze how the domestic models they have experienced influence their current relationships.

"Basic Social Unit Hierarchies" consists of two silkscreen-printed fabric pillars depicting the dynamics between matriarchal and patriarchal elements within my partner's and my family. Each pillar focuses on one side of the family. Each side of the pillar is dedicated to and depicts domestic scenes of one generation: maternal grandparents, parental grandparents, parents, and us – my partner and I. The pillars and the history they contain are symbolic foundations for how my partner and I navigate our partnership.

Inspired by the 18th-century Toile de Jouy, my pieces are printed on canvas in monochromatic blue and red palettes. The motifs of traditional Toile de Jouy depict idyllic scenes of everyday life. My imagery of family life seems pleasant at first, but after a closer look, it also reveals loneliness, neglect, boredom, poverty, abuse, and anxiety.