Why Four Sisters Captured an Annual Photo for Four Decades

1975

Intrigued by the idea of capturing the essence of sisterhood, Nixon embarked on a 40-year-long endeavor that would result in a captivating series of photographs. The images, taken annually, serve as a testament to the passage of time and the enduring bonds between the four sisters.

Through the lens of Nixon’s camera, the viewer witnesses their joys, sorrows, and everything in between. The photographs transcend mere snapshots, becoming a profound exploration of the human experience and the complexities of family dynamics. Nixon’s spontaneous request at that family dinner forever immortalized the beauty and strength found in the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.

1976

Amidst the mundane family gathering, Nixon’s spontaneous request for a photograph ignited a creative spark that would continue to burn for decades. The initial shot was a revelation, capturing the sisters’ natural beauty and the unique dynamics between them.

Inspired by the magic of that first image, they made a pact to recreate it annually, creating a visual time capsule of their lives. Each year, they would gather before Nixon’s lens, their bond growing stronger with every click of the camera. From that fateful moment in 1974, a remarkable journey began, chronicling the joys, sorrows, and transformations of sisterhood through the lens of artistry.

1977

Through the lens of Nicholas Nixon’s annual project, the passage of time becomes palpable, revealing the sisters’ evolution in both appearance and style. The initial images portray a sense of timelessness, but as the years progress, subtle yet significant changes unfold. From fashion choices to hairstyles, the sisters adapt to the shifting trends, embodying the essence of each era.

The photographs serve as a captivating visual record, not only of the sisters’ personal journeys but also of the broader societal transformations reflected in their attire. This project becomes a testament to the ever-changing nature of fashion and its role in shaping our identities over time.

1978

Despite Nicholas Nixon’s initial dismissal of the first photograph, his ongoing project with the Brown sisters attracted significant attention, culminating in a major exhibition at the renowned Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). Titled “Nicholas Nixon: Forty Years of the Brown Sisters,” the exhibition showcased the profound and captivating journey captured through the lens of Nixon’s camera.

The inclusion of previously withheld details from the early years added intrigue and depth to the narrative, leaving viewers captivated by the unfolding story of the sisters’ lives and their enduring bond. Nixon’s work had transcended the realm of personal documentation to become a poignant and celebrated artistic exploration of time and family.

1979

“The series emerged from a sense of ennui,” Nixon revealed in an interview with The Guardian. He further explained, “During our visits to Bebe’s parents on weekends, there was a prevailing sense of monotony. The socializing became repetitive, and we were obligated to attend daily dinners…

In a lighthearted moment of desperation, I suggested, ‘Let’s take a picture.'” At the inception of the project, Heather was 23, Mimi was 15, Bebe was 25, and Laurie was 21. As the years passed, they gradually realized that this annual photographic ritual provided a poignant portrayal of the inexorable march of time and the inherent aging process.