Andrea Birnbaum's 'Spilt Milk' Explores Generational Trauma Through Photography
In her recent book, 'Spilt Milk,' Andrea Birnbaum dives into topics like family legacy, memory, and the impact of trauma across generations, using altered photographs as her medium. What started as an exploration of her anger towards her father shifted into a path of understanding after a major health scare prompted him to apologize. She combines old family photos, her father’s vintage images, and her own creations, using techniques like tearing, collaging, and obscuring to reveal hidden emotional wounds. The story of trauma weaves through her grandmother Alice, her father, and herself. Birnbaum, who lives in the New York City area, also serves as the Educational Coordinator for the Selma Photo Festival in Alabama. Conveyor Studios produced the book, with photo editing by Alison Morley.
Key facts
- Andrea Birnbaum's monograph 'Spilt Milk' explores generational trauma and family memory.
- The project uses her father's old photographs, family photos, and her own constructed images.
- Techniques include ripping, collaging, and obscuring photographs.
- Birnbaum's father apologized after a serious health scare, leading to her empathy.
- Birnbaum is Educational Coordinator for the Photographic Nights of Selma Photo Festival.
- The book was printed by Conveyor Studios.
- Photo editing was done by Alison Morley.
- Birnbaum lives in the New York City area.
Entities
Artists
- Andrea Birnbaum
- Alison Morley
Institutions
- Conveyor Studios
- Photographic Nights of Selma Photo Festival
Locations
- New York City
- Selma
- Alabama