As time goes by

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Barbara Davatz's project, initiated in 1982, has evolved into a classic exploration of time and relationships. After 32 years, she returned to her original subjects, capturing new portraits in 2014. Initially, she photographed a dozen pairs of young people—friends, lovers, and relatives—against a light-gray backdrop, employing a sober yet sympathetic lens to highlight their personal and collective details. Over the years, she revisited these subjects in 1988, 1997, and again in 2014, maintaining her formal approach to document the continuities and changes in their relationships and self-presentation. From the original 12 double portraits, Davatz created relationship charts that tracked up to 16 pairs over time, now encompassing three generations with the addition of 14 children and grandchildren. The series has expanded beyond self-presentation to encompass themes of aging, loss, family growth, and the inheritance of traits, all while reflecting the dynamics of urban society across different periods. Without divulging personal specifics, Davatz's work poignantly illustrates the passage of time and its impact on individuals and their connections. This book serves as a straightforward yet epic observation of an urban milieu, capturing the essence of change and continuity.