The Universality of Family Photographs book by Lest We Forget

The Universality of Family Photographs exhibition and companion book build on Lest We Forget’s seminal project, Emirati Family Photographs: 1950-1999, by placing Emirati family photographs pithing a global context. The Universality of Family Photographs explores universalities inherent in photographs of ourselves, taken by ourselves and for ourselves. The curation brings together images taken by unrelated families living far apart-in the UAE and Spain-during the final decades of the 20th century. Viewed side by side, an unexpected synergy springs forth, revealing commonalities that reverberate through the diversity of family photographs.

Lest We Forget is an innovative archival and research initiative that documents Emirati vernacular cultural memory and generates contemporary responses through the use of artistic language. Lest We Forget collaborates with individuals, families and communities to create artistic books, exhibitions, films, animations, product designs and even an opera.