Welfare in-between artistic expressions and communities: Deanna Dikeman's exhibition "Leaving and Waving"

Abstract

With the intention to investigate the role of photography in addressing social issues and the function that exhibitions play as an engine of collective action, the research focuses on the analysis of Deanna Dikeman's exhibition Leaving and Waving. The photo reportage of nintyeight photographs was conducted over twentyseven years, through which the artist portrayed her parents at the moment of saying goodbye. This is a creative way that captures ageing, death, family bonds, generational relationships, greetings. The study was conducted by administering semi-structured anonymous questionnaires to visitors of three exhibitions in Italy (Campobasso, Rome, Verona) from February until June 2022. The study addresses the role of new social practices and associations, considering family ties in relational and socio-relational Welfare. The social as such is intended strategically to promote individual and collective well-being through artistic expression.