“The problem seems to stem from the impossible expectations we have of mothers.”
A small, pink doll kneels in a vitrine. From her breasts, white thread like milk spins out into five heavy spools. The work’s softness is tender, but the woman’s web of thread is disconcerting, creating a scene that is both comforting and oppressive. Entitled “The Good Mother”, there is the suggestion that in order to be a decent parent, a woman must bow down and affix herself to the ground., at the Hayward Gallery, which pondered the wonder and bind of being a mother.
It wasn’t until much later in Bourgeois’s life that her creative output hit full speed; the expansive exhibition at the Hayward Gallery focused exclusively on works from the last 20 years of the artist’s life, meaning she started making the pieces aged 78. “This story – of brilliant talents quashed by domestic cares – might be repeated endlessly,” writes Hettie Judah in her new book.
This mythology was perpetuated by sculptor Reg Butler in the 1960s during a series of lectures at Slade School of Fine Art, when he argued: “I am quite sure the vitality of a great many female students derives from frustrated maternity, and most of these, on finding the opportunity to settle down and produce children, will no longer experience a degree of passionate discontent sufficient to drive them constantly towards the labours of creation in other ways.
Fifty-one-year-old photographer Hannah Starkey, who had her first child 21 years ago and often seeks to make invisible elements of womanhood visible, is alarmed when I call to ask why being a mother and an artist is still challenging. “Is it really still so hard?! It cannot still be thought of that way,” she exclaims.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Health bosses 'working to manage pressures' after critical incident'I am sorry that it has been necessary to take this step'
Read more »
A Charcutier, a Chef, and Two Wine Importers Walk Into a BarWhy brand new Cadet’s alliance of paté en croute, country cooking, and wine feels like it’s been around forever
Read more »
Upstairs and Downstairs at London’s Best New Wine BarCadet is a French wine bar on Newington Green with very good wine and charcuterie and simple food comprised of astutely sourced ingredients
Read more »
Liz Truss admits budget caused ‘disruption’ but insists she has ‘clear plan’ for economyTruss has admitted the mini-budget is causing “disruption” for the first time, but insists that she has a “clear plan” 💬 “I recognise there has been disruption but it was really, really important we were able to get help to families as soon as possible”
Read more »
Danilo Petrucci: Suzuki ‘unbelievable’, maybe I wouldn’t have retired!Danilo Petrucci couldn’t stop smiling after his first day on a Suzuki MotoGP machine, in Thailand on Friday; 'I think I am one of the happiest men on the planet this weekend'.
Read more »
Girls Aloud to reunite to host fundraising ball in memory of Sarah HardingThe charity ball was set up at the request of Harding, and named after the Girls Aloud track The Promise, in which she sings: 'Here I am, walking primrose'.
Read more »