Relative Moments by Deanna Dikeman

"Relative Moments," a project initiated in 1986 by the artist, documents the everyday experiences of their extended family. The artist is captivated by the profound significance found in the daily routines—those personal moments that encapsulate feelings of home, safety, and belonging for many.

The series began as a personal documentary when the artist's parents sold their childhood home in Iowa and moved into a new residence, which gradually became 'home' for the artist as well. Initially, the focus was on photographing this new setting, but soon expanded to include the homes and gardens of the artist's aunts and uncles. With the birth of the artist's son, he too became a subject in the series.

Originally driven by nostalgia and a desire to document, the artist soon realized these photographs offered more—they provided a window into the intimate aspects of daily life that might otherwise go unnoticed. This project captures a visual history of one family's life, yet it also conveys broader, more universal truths about American culture, familiarity, and the constant wonder found in everyday scenes.