What is My Old Man and how did it come to be?
My Old Man is an ongoing photography series that serves as an intimate window into my father’s world. Michael Anthony Griffin, soon to be 95 years old, is navigating his twilight years with late-stage dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Being his primary caregiver since early 2019, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges and quiet moments that define our days together. At the start of 2024, I began purposefully photographing him. The images portray the fragility of identity and the complexities of aging under the dark cloud of dementia. They document everything from his routine medical appointments to the quiet, peacefully repetitive days at home.
An aspect of his life that I highlight is his love of reading. Growing up in the Irish countryside in the 1930s with a small library, he often boasted that he’d read every single book available. Some of my earliest memories are of him sitting in his recliner, a stack of newspapers beside him, the news playing softly on the TV. Even now, he instinctively reaches for any magazine, book, or piece of mail. Though his reading comprehension and memory have diminished due to dementia, he still goes through the motions.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this deeply personal ongoing project. The title, “My Old Man,” is an affectionate phrase I use for my dad, rooted in Irish culture, and steeped in both respect and fondness. I chose this title to reflect our close relationship and pay homage to our shared heritage.
As I continue to document my old man’s journey, I hope the work fosters empathy and sparks conversations about the realities of dementia, caregiving, and aging. By bringing visibility to these often private struggles, maybe others will feel inspired to talk more openly about aging and mental health. I invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences and consider the impact of memory, identity, and connection in their lives.
How did the idea behind this project take root? What do you hope the audience takes away from the photo series?
Initially, I was hesitant about photographing my father. I felt ashamed and unsure about documenting such a vulnerable time. Yet, the camera became a coping mechanism, helping me process my emotions and his declining condition. After his second major fall in 2022, and repeated hospital stays at the end of 2023, I realized how isolating this journey can be for both my father and myself, his caregiver.
Witnessing his struggles and the daily challenges he faced—and speaking with other photographers— inspired me to confront the subject of dementia and Alzheimer’s through my camera. Using film and digital photography, I’ve taken photos throughout this year, aiming to preserve each moment with natural lighting and minimal staging. I shed light on the realities of this condition not just for memories, but for others experiencing similar situations. By sharing this journey through photography, I hope to show people that they are not alone in their journey with dementia.
How has working on dementia-related art changed you?
Working on this project was initially a way to cope. It has since profoundly transformed my perspective on both art and aging. It has deepened my appreciation for capturing and showcasing fleeting moments and underscored the importance of preserving memories before they fade. Through documenting my old man’s experience, I’ve come to view photography as a medium for aesthetic expression but also as a powerful tool for storytelling and advocacy.
This subject has become central to my work, emphasizing themes of vulnerability, identity, and the human condition. It has shifted my artistic focus toward more personal and emotionally resonant subjects. Engaging with dementia has encouraged me to use my creative skills to raise awareness about this often-not-talked-about disease, contributing to broader conversations about aging and mental health. This ongoing project stands as a significant and heartfelt addition to my portfolio.
How has My Old Man been received?
While the project is ongoing, I’ve shared some of the photographs with fellow photographers, family, and close friends. The response has been heartfelt and encouraging. Many have expressed that the images resonate deeply with their own experiences. They appreciate the candid portrayal of daily life with dementia, highlighting both the challenges and tender moments.
Those familiar with dementia have noted that the work brings visibility to aspects that are often kept private and helps to reduce feelings of isolation. Their feedback has reinforced the importance of sharing these stories and motivates me to continue the project. I hope to reach a wider audience in order to contribute to greater dialogue and awareness about aging, dementia, and caregiving.
This work is dedicated to: my father, whose resilience and enduring spirit inspire me every day. It is also dedicated to my mother and sister, who have encouraged me to cultivate my own nature and have heartened me with their respect and affection.
Find more from Nan-Yong K. Griffin, follow him on Instagram.
