Art Review: Happy Families by Alan Fears
Happy Families - Acrylic on Canvas. Size: 61 W x 45 H x 2 D cm
Alan Fears' Happy Families stands as a striking commentary on the absurdities and quirks of everyday life. The 2021 acrylic painting, which measures 61 x 45 cm, offers a bold and colourful snapshot of a group of seemingly ordinary people gathered at a table, yet radiates a sense of humour and surrealism.
With its simple yet direct style, Fears channels elements of Pop Art and Folk into his work, creating a playful and exaggerated portrayal of human life. The figures, positioned around a table with vibrant glasses and an eclectic assortment of everyday items, evoke a slightly nostalgic yet unsettling atmosphere. Their over-the-top expressions, outlined in contrasting colours, invite us to question the notions of perfection and the ‘ideal’ family dynamic—prompting the viewer to laugh, reflect, and perhaps even feel a little discomforted by the scene’s candidness.
Fears, who is known for his blend of naive, graphic, and pop art influences, has a knack for capturing the intricacies of human absurdity, and Happy Families is no exception. The painting feels like a snapshot taken from a larger, unfolding narrative—one that may or may not be as pleasant as the title suggests. The scene’s bright hues—fuchsia pinks, vibrant greens, and sunny yellows—provide an almost cartoonish quality, all the while maintaining a deeper underlying sense of irony.
Fears’ ability to mix humour with depth is perhaps best exemplified by the painting’s title itself. Is it really a happy family? Or are these figures trapped in a moment of suburban monotony, struggling to maintain an image of unity amidst their true selves? This juxtaposition is cleverly amplified by Fears’ technique of figurative portraiture, where each subject is exaggerated to both comic and poignant extremes.
A seasoned artist with accolades including shortlisting for the John Moores Painting Prize, Fears brings to life a style that is both accessible and rich with commentary. His work is a reminder of how great and stupid humanity can be—emphasising the strange beauty found in the trivialities of our everyday lives. Happy Families is an excellent example of how art can offer more than just an image; it can reflect the chaotic, complex, and often humorous sides of being human.
For those who enjoy art that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still offers deep reflections, Alan Fears’ Happy Families is a must-see piece—one that pulls you in with its charm and leaves you questioning the nature of human connection.
The painting is available to buy.