On Art And Motherhood: The Construction Of Perfection And Its Feminist Subversion With Hettie Judah

From the selfless Virgin Mary, to the uncomplaining 'Angel in the House' through to the flawless mother-as-consumer promoted by advertisers in the 20th century, representations of motherhood have rarely been based on first-hand experience. On Art and Motherhood: the construction of perfection and its feminist subversion' looks at how ideals of motherhood have been promoted through visual culture and explores how artist mothers have gone about dismantling these myths. How does it change things if the artist herself is a mother? What other stories emerge?

This lecture addresses the blind spot in art history, asserting the artist mother as an important – if rarely visible – cultural figure. Just as the currently touring exhibition curated by Hettie, ‘Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood’ commissioned by Hayward Gallery Touring exhibitions, this lecture explores the lived experience of motherhood, presenting a complex and varied image with relation to contemporary concerns about gender, politics, caregiving and reproductive rights.

We are committed to making our sessions as accessible as possible. If you are unable to pay the full amount for this class, please reach out to us via email at [email protected] and we will provide you with a discount code.