Julie Blackmon - From West to East: Trying to Fly in Springfield Presented by The National Gallery of Art

Julie Blackmon photographs her family—a constellation of 45 siblings and cousins, their children, and their children’s children—to examine the magic in the boredom of everyday life. In her intricate and adventurous scenes, themes of play, modern-day parenting and layered narratives bubble to the surface along with references to iconic paintings by great masters of past centuries.
The oldest of nine and now a mother to three adult children, Julie places family and community at the heart of her work. Springfield, Missouri is much more than just a place for Julie; her family’s roots date back to the 1890’s and she has lived there her entire life.  
This film was produced by RAVA films in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art.
The National Gallery of Art’s West to East initiative explores how artists across the United States draw inspiration from the communities and landscapes they call home, revealing the stories that shape the nation today. Learn more here: https://www.nga.gov/stories/west-east