Photographer Melonie Bennett’s debut monograph captures the ‘stupendousness‘ of family life
The photobook captures two decades of often hilarious, sometimes tragic moments
Melonie Bennett, born in 1969, has released her debut monograph, Holy Cow!, which showcases her two-decade-long photographic journey from 1990 to 2011. The book captures a vivid portrayal of a family's daily life, filled with drama, dancing, dogs, and drunken exploits. Bennett’s photographs, interspersed with anecdotes from her brother Merritt, reveal a mix of humor and bewilderment.
The photographs frequently feature the family members in costumes, including Batman outfits and KISS make-up, adding to the delirious theatricality of the work. Bennett herself admitted that humor and irony were essential commodities for her household, providing a much-needed escape from the financial troubles and her father’s alcoholism, as well as his severe thyroid condition.
While her mother is notably absent from the work, the publication ultimately becomes an ode to Bennett’s father, Fred, whose eccentricity and playfulness are evident throughout the photographs. From brandishing a torch to fend off skunks to participating in elaborate pranks, Fred’s character is brought to life through Bennett’s lens.
Despite Fred’s comedy credentials, Holy Cow! hints at the physical and cognitive decline the family faces. The photographs serve as a moving elegy not only to Fred but also to the period depicted, depicting the "stupendousness" of life. Bennett's dedication to her family and friends, as well as her devotion to capturing the small moments of beauty, gentleness, and love, is what makes this book a serious and moving tribute.
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