If, to paraphrase the painter Lucian Freud, it’s the task of the artist to make people uncomfortable, then the California Heritage Museum in Santa Monica is seriously onto something.
The “Awkward Family Photo Exhibition,” on display from March 27 to July 27, features images from the popular “Awkward Family Photos” website and book series of cringe-worthy — yet totally hilarious — portraits, vacation snaps, wedding pics, pet shots and more. It’s a celebration of poor wardrobe and hairstyle choices, inappropriate poses among siblings and backgrounds, and props that defy logic.
Slideshow: Awkward prom photos
The exhibition will showcase 10 themes: the family portrait; siblings; vacation; the kids; the holidays; weddings; dad; mom; the grandparents; birthdays, and the family pet.
“It invites you to celebrate those less than picture-perfect moments,” the museum declares on its website.
Slideshow: Awkward family vacation photos
Visitors also can get in on the awkwardness. On Sundays during the show’s run, the museum will offer $20 photo sessions, complete with awkward props and backdrops. (Participants get to keep a print, and the museum gets to keep a copy to add to the exhibition.)
Slideshow: Awkward sports photos
Paying to look ungainly? It doesn’t get much more awkward (or, let’s face it, awesome) than that.
Lesley Kennedy writes for ShopAtHome.com. Follow ShopAtHome on Instagram and Lesley on Google +.