Fathers

Fathers is a photographic series examining the social and emotional consequences of paternal absence, dismissal, and disregard.

Each image features symbols and fathers from the community, photographed within soil partially buried, fragmented, or marked. These figures reflect the expectations often placed on fathers, and the condition those roles are left in when they are ignored, undervalued, or treated as expendable.

Titles are drawn from community conversations, reflecting phrases spoken about fathers or remembered by children. These statements are paired with research-informed statistics that point toward measurable outcomes linked to paternal involvement, structure, and care. Together, the titles and data create a tension: what is lost when these roles are treated as disposable?

This work asks how early relational fractures shape behavior, emotional regulation, confidence, and safety across generations. By placing fathers in the ground, the series depicts how paternal influence is often buried rather than confronted.

This series functions as a space for reflection, holding grief, accountability, and recognition alongside one another. It invites viewers to consider what remains when fatherhood is diminished, and what might change if it were intentionally restored.

  • Curriculum (family studies, health/SEL), fatherhood programs, men’s mental health initiatives, community dialogues, DEI learning.

    Formats

    Exhibition with paired statistics, workshops with guided reflection, talks/panels, classroom guides, licensed imagery, pop-up/public installations.

  • Increased awareness of paternal influence in early childhood, language to address absence and presence, intergenerational dialogue, community engagement with fatherhood as identity and responsibility.

We Can't Afford Much

Dark soil with small green plant sprouts and scattered debris.

  • Childless men earn significantly less than fathers.

I Wish I Had Someone to Play With

A doll with dark hair and dark clothing lying on a dark, textured surface.

  • We see increases in academic achievement, behavioral and emotional regulation and cognitive development in children whose fathers play with them.

I Never Heard I'm Proud of You

A woman with black hair and dark skin, partially covered in dirt and ash, lies peacefully on dark soil with eyes closed. Next to her is a red, broken ribbon or badge with a star on it.

  • An important tool to ensure a child has a strong sense of autonomy and competence is regular and sincere affirmations from a father, ideally their biological father. This tool gives children the ability to handle the challenges of life.

I Don't Feel Safe

Dark soil with small rocks and debris, including a small blue and white object partially buried.

  • Children are 33 times more likely to be physically and sexually abused when a stepfather or live-in boyfriend of the children's mother is present, as opposed to their biological father.

Brendan Won't Listen

A dead hand covered in dirt emerges from dark soil, surrounded by a broken black spoon and a black curved knife.

  • Children with better behavioral, social, academic, and emotional outcomes tend to be raised by fathers with an authoritative parenting style (clearly lovingly setting boundaries and expectations).

They Were Always Fighting

A hand with a wound and a ring lying on dark soil or dirt, surrounded by darkness.

  • High levels of conflict and animosity amongst parents have proven to lead to a higher risk of emotional and social behavioral problems in children. In addition, these conflicts contribute to a decline in concentration and academic achievement.

Tammy Keeps Crying

Dark soil with two small green sprigs and a small pinkish object, possibly a seed or a small tool, scattered across

  • The comfort of a father is associated with a lower risk of infant cognitive delays and internalized behavioral issues later in life.

He's So Irresponsible

Charred remains of a small animal, possibly a dog, in dark, burnt soil next to a torn piece of paper with ashes and burnt debris nearby.

  • Fathers play a vital role in teaching their children to undertake age-appropriate tasks. Through observing their father's behavior, children can learn how to conduct themselves in a manner that is commendable and appropriate.

I Don't Know What to Do

A human face partially buried in dark soil, with the eyes and nose visible, and a small round container on the soil nearby.

  • One of the most important roles of a father is to provide guidance to their children. Children whose fathers are involved in their guidance have proven to have more developed social skills, self esteem and a stronger sense of self confidence and resilience.

She Hasn't Smiled in Weeks

A human face with gray hair is buried in dark soil, with only the face visible, appearing dead or unconscious.

  • Daughters experience reduced psychological problems and rates of depression when their fathers are engaged in their lives.

It Feels Like Something's Missing

A person's face covered in dark soil, with their eyes closed, surrounded by more soil, and a black alarm clock nearby.

  • There is a positive correlation between high levels of father involvement and increased levels of sociability, confidence and self-control in children.

Statistics are drawn from a combination of peer-reviewed research, public health reporting, and community-informed data used for reflective purposes.