MOTHEROTHER
“The radical potential of “mother” comes after the “m”. It is the space that the “other” takes in our mouths when we say it...We are something else.”
Alexis Pauline Gumbs, M/Other Ourselves: A Black Queer Feminist Genealogy for Radical Mothering, 2016
Evolving from the MOTHEROTHER project this exhibition explored the relationship that artist mothers have with themselves, their children, society, politics and the artworld. It offered a variety of perspectives on the parenting experience of artists attempting to navigate their caregiving roles within systems which often overlook, exclude, censor, minimise or legislate their experience. The selected works are an invitation to contemplate motherhood and mothering (a non-gendered verb) in all its forms, and the mental, physical and societal implications of this state. Each artist’s work attests to a conscience tweaking truth about the nature of care and the role of ‘mother'.
Widely debated and scrutinised mothering is drowned in polarising unsolicited opinions. Sarah Maple stabs at the gender reveal, glitterati social media exposé while balancing the proposition of artist/mother. Katie Cuddon reflects upon the intimacy of biologically entwined bodies and the tactile nature of infant care…almost to the point of overwhelm.
Sara Qaed questions our complicity in genocide. There is no escape for mother and child from the slaughter wrought by war. What are we going to do? Kate Sweeney as listener and teller of deeply personal stories encapsulates joy and tragedy in parenting pathways. Kübra Müjde’s barefoot mother cradles her child against the winter night and the obscenity of the socioeconomic gulf.
Lauren McLaughlin tells it how it is via moan-ifesto and twisted coat hanger. How can we deny basic rights and support? Hannah Cooke is defiant in the face of artworld bullshit about great art and the maternal.
MOTHEROTHER is a response to some of the themes explored during the course of the MOTHEROTHER project, which launched in January 2023 as a supportive network for artist parents and carers. The exhibition was not intended to represent the myriad of carer and parenting roles across our creative community, the individuals experiencing the MOTHEROTHER project, nor all those which the project hopes to reach.
It is not exhaustive but offers glimpses into some of the facets of mothering and motherhood. The story of this exhibition, like all care journeys, was not linear or focused upon conclusions. Rather it was something which grew from conversations and experiences; some components developed by chance and some by design. As with many of the aspects of MOTHEROTHER, this exhibition was a way of asking questions, generating thinking, and learning from others. There is no doubt that there will be issues raised about elements which were lacking.
Exclusions were not intentional, but we should always ask what and who is missing?