In a remarkable exploration of American domesticity, Larry Sultan’s profound photography offers a window into the intricate tapestry of middle-class life, capturing the mundane and the extraordinary in equal measure. Sultan’s work, spanning from the 1970s until his untimely passing in 2009, is now celebrated in a new book, *Water Over Thunder*, which provides deeper insight into his artistic journey and the personal reflections that shaped his lens.
A Candid Reflection on Domesticity
A psychiatric evaluation conducted in 1969 described Sultan as an individual burdened by anxiety, feeling like an outsider peering into the lives of others. This sentiment became the cornerstone of his photographic approach, allowing him to capture the essence of American life with an uncanny ability to reveal both its beauty and its contradictions. In *Water Over Thunder*, co-authored by his widow Kerry and son Max, Sultan’s voice emerges vividly through a collage of journal entries, letters, and personal photographs, painting an intimate portrait of the artist.
Sultan’s upbringing in the San Fernando Valley after moving from Brooklyn in 1950 greatly influenced his work. He often grappled with his relationship with his father, a struggle that informed much of his artistic expression. “He was pissed that I was an artist and he gave me a hard time,” Sultan recalled, highlighting the tensions that would later seep into his explorations of family and identity.
The Valley: A Study of Contradictions
One of Sultan’s most provocative projects, *The Valley*, encapsulates his ability to blend the banal with the bizarre. Over six years, he documented the strikingly kitsch interiors of homes rented for adult film shoots, revealing a world where the ordinary becomes a stage for desire. His images, rich with irony, challenge viewers to reconsider the very nature of suburban life.
“Taylor is sitting in the shade completely exhausted,” Sultan noted of one shoot, “eating a piece of toast with raspberry jam. I can see that some crumbs have fallen on her naked belly.” Here, the mundane meets the provocative, underscoring a deeper commentary on the façades of American life. Sultan’s keen observation turns what could be mere voyeurism into a profound exploration of human experience, reflecting on the ambivalence that lies between fascination and repulsion.
Pictures from Home: An Intimate Family Chronicle
Perhaps his most celebrated work, *Pictures from Home*, serves as a poignant examination of family life through a critical lens. Over nine years, Sultan meticulously photographed his ageing parents in their suburban home, capturing moments both tender and troubling. His father, a former vice-president at Schick Razors, and his mother, dressed in bright pink, become symbols of the complexity of familial love and the disillusionment with the American dream.
Sultan’s imagery transcends mere documentation; it invites reflection on the societal constructs surrounding family and identity. “I felt that family was one of the most complicated, unnerving institutions,” he remarked, articulating a sentiment that resonates through his work. The photographs evoke a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously critiquing the idealised version of family life propagated by mainstream culture.
A Legacy of Teaching and Influence
In addition to his photographic endeavours, Sultan was a devoted educator, teaching at the California College of the Arts for over two decades. His commitment to nurturing future generations of photographers is evident in the fond memories shared by his students. Artist Carmen Winant, who studied under Sultan, described him as “deeply funny, kind, sharp and devoted.” He instilled in his students a sense of curiosity that extended beyond the classroom, encouraging them to explore the world through an artistic lens.
Sultan’s impact on the field of photography remains substantial, as he was not only a pioneer of conceptual photography but also a mentor who shaped the careers of many. The resonance of his work continues to influence contemporary photographers, who draw inspiration from his unique ability to intertwine personal narrative with broader social commentary.
Why it Matters
Larry Sultan’s work transcends mere artistic expression; it is a profound inquiry into the nature of domesticity, identity, and the complexities of familial relationships. His legacy, encapsulated in *Water Over Thunder*, invites us to confront our own perceptions of home and family while challenging societal norms. In a time when the lines between public and private life are increasingly blurred, Sultan’s ability to humanise the seemingly mundane serves as a powerful reminder of the intricacies of the human experience. His work continues to resonate, urging us to look beyond the surface and explore the rich narratives that shape our lives.
