“There is no more solemn adversary of fine art,” expressed Cyril Connolly, famously, “than the pram in the hall.” Embrace parenthood, goes his haughty principle, and your imaginative capacity is completely thwarted. The reality that exceptional art has been crafted by parents for ages does not appear to have concerned him, nor the affront to those who give birth, or their infants. Not even, as demonstrated by this remarkable Hayward Gallery exhibition on tour, that the act of procreation itself might serve as a crucial wellspring of inspiration.
Engaging from beginning to end, this outstanding (and traveling) collection of contemporary artworks delves deep into the realm of motherhood, with over one hundred pieces that astonish, stir emotions, and inspire awe. The exhibition commences with a piece shrouded in enigmatic allure. Resting on a pedestal is a sculptural form evocative of a woman’s pelvic anatomy, crafted with finesse using animal horns, twigs, steel, and earthy red soil. Delicate yet robust, the structure is interconnected by fine silver wires, alludingly exploring gynecology’s essence with hints of bone, fallopian tubes, and a speculum. Contrary to expectations, its title is Healing, serving as both a plea for fertility and a remarkably beautiful symbol of resilience.
This captivating opening is complemented by another sensory experience, audible even before entering the initial gallery. The soft coos of a newborn intertwine with the reverberating dialogue between the infant and its mother. However, the poignancy of these sounds intensifies upon encountering the installation from which they emanate. Replicating a neonatal intensive care unit incubator as a skeletal framework of cold, unyielding metal, the absence of the baby is hauntingly portrayed through a ghostly pencil rendering in its stead.
The journey of childbirth unfolds gradually through a series of meticulous sketches, depicting the laborious process in the artistic hands of Ghislaine Howard. The transformative effects of pregnancy are vividly portrayed in the photographic self-portraits of [ppp0], showcasing a narrative of stitching and reshaping. Even before birth, the miraculous nature of creation is rendered surreal by [ppp0], who documents her pregnancy journey in 1977 through a series of terse words and grainy photographs, presenting her swelling abdomen as an almost primordial landscape.
Among the classic works featured in this exhibition are Paula Rego’s poignant depictions of Portuguese women enduring the aftermath of clandestine abortions, and a segment of Mary Kelly’s renowned Post-Partum Document, capturing her son’s early linguistic endeavors etched on slate.
Superbly curated by the esteemed writer and critic [ppp1], this exhibition introduces both emerging talents and established luminaries. Noteworthy pieces include Lea Cetera’s thought-provoking hourglass sculpture, titled You Can’t Have It All, which ingeniously symbolizes the complexities of time, lost opportunities, and the inexorable march of biological clocks.
Leni Dotham’s evocative Sleeping Madonna presents a self-portrait in red robes nursing a baby, subtly capturing the cyclical nature of nurturing and exhaustion. The color palette employed by Judah effectively conveys the emotional spectrum of motherhood, transitioning from warm reds symbolizing early years to somber blues representing profound reflections on maternal experiences.
The exhibition delves into themes of loss, whether it be the loss of a pregnancy, a child, or the absence of anticipated motherhood. Through [ppp2], the arduous journey of IVF treatment is candidly depicted, encapsulating the emotional turmoil, financial strain, and the relentless hope entwined with the process.
Artistic expression intertwines with maternal duties in thought-provoking ways, as exemplified by [ppp2] who invites her young daughter to embellish her renowned artworks with poster paints, and Jai Chuhan who navigates the chaos of motherhood while engaging in her artistic pursuits.
Billie Zangewa’s intricate fabric collage, Every Woman, juxtaposes the glamorous portrayal of motherhood with the mundane reality of strewn toys and maternal responsibilities. Caroline Walker’s poignant still life composition captures the mundane yet essential aspects of motherhood, while Chantal Joffe’s intimate double portrait explores the enduring bond between mother and daughter.
Bobby Baker’s Timed Drawings offer a captivating blend of tragedy and comedy, chronicling the everyday moments of early motherhood with poignant humor. Each artwork in this exhibition resonates with mystery, profundity, love, grief, and wonder, collectively serving as a powerful testament to the multifaceted experiences of motherhood. A poignant rebuttal to Cyril Connolly’s assertion, the exhibition culminates in the profound humanity captured by [ppp2], showcasing young mothers cradling their newborns mere moments after birth – exhausted, postpartum, bleeding, yet exuding courage, pride, and a fierce protectiveness over the new life they have ushered into the world.