"Whistler's Mother" Reinterpreted by Aline Smithson | Yellowtrace.

"Whistler's Mother" Reinterpreted by Aline Smithson | Yellowtrace.

 

American photographer Aline Smithson has reinterpreted a famous 19th century painting by James McNeill Whistler “Arrangement in Grey and Black No 1”, colloquially know as “Whistler’s Mother”. Smithson’s clever series features the artist’s grandmother dressed in hilarious outfits creating a different scene in each image. What a hoot! This may not be the first interpretation of the famous painting (in fact, I previously featured one of it’s brilliant reinterpretations), but it’s certainly one of the most amusing.

 

"Whistler's Mother" Reinterpreted by Aline Smithson | Yellowtrace.

"Whistler's Mother" Reinterpreted by Aline Smithson | Yellowtrace.

"Whistler's Mother" Reinterpreted by Aline Smithson | Yellowtrace.

 

Below are some words from the artist about this work:

“The series incorporates traditional photography techniques, yet becomes richer with the treatment of hand painting. It is my intent to have the viewer see the work in a historical context with the addition of color, and at the same time, experience Whistler’s simple, yet brilliant formula for the composition.”

 

"Whistler's Mother" Reinterpreted by Aline Smithson | Yellowtrace.

"Whistler's Mother" Reinterpreted by Aline Smithson | Yellowtrace.

"Whistler's Mother" Reinterpreted by Aline Smithson | Yellowtrace.

 

“My patient 85 year-old mother posed in over 20 ensembles, but unfortunately passed away before seeing the finished series. I am grateful for her sense of humor and the time this series allowed us to be together.”

 

"Whistler's Mother" by James McNeill Whistler | Yellowtrace.


[Images courtesy of Aline Smithson.]

 



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With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

5 Responses

  1. Carol Carson

    I enjoyed this post very much. I’m presently preparing a blog post (personal, not for monetary gain) to feature the letter “C” for an ABC Wednesday blog meme. One of my themes is “comedy” in art. I wondered if you might grant permission for me to copy one of the pictures (Whistler’s mother wearing a bathing cap and a flotation device) for my post, with a description of my response to that post and a link back to your web site. Credit, of course, would be given to Aline Smithson, her grandmother and James M. Whistler. Thank you! Carol Carson

    Reply
    • Carol Carson

      Correction: That request should have read “mother” rather than “grandmother” and I should add as well that I have envisioned Aline Smithson and her mother (now deceased) having great fun on this project. I’m sad that her mother didn’t get to see the final series but love to think that she enjoyed the shared laughter and time with her daughter.

      Reply

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