MOTHERHOOD I / Concepts of Motherhood

About

The exhibition "Motherhood I / Concepts of Motherhood" launches a series of exhibitions on motherhood and femininity. The exhibition project is organised by IntAkt Vienna, in cooperation with the HilbertRaum and the Retramp Gallery in Berlin. The works deal with motherhood, menstruation, birth, breastfeeding, everyday life with children during and beyond the pandemic, ageing with children, etc. in various ways. The artistic standpoints, produced by artist mothers and non-mothers, range from personal perspectives and experiences via humorous and experimental works to socio-critical and socio-political statements. An important aim is to show that motherhood is not a topic to be avoided or an obstacle, but can be a source of inspiration. We all have been born of a mother. Everyone is related to this theme, everyone is touched by it in one way or another.

In the commercial and museum arts sector, motherhood seems to be a taboo subject, even today. Female artists are still advised to choose between children and career. Clichés about artists who are mothers are still very strong: as if having a child meant losing their physical self-determination and the necessary energy to create good art. Although art historiography in the field of gender studies thinks about many facets of gender, both the visual arts and art history continue to propagate the myth of the male artistic genius who prefers to create genius masterpieces in a state of intoxication. The aim of this exhibition is to question and deconstruct the myths surrounding male and female attributions in the field of art. The exhibition also points to the social structures that make it difficult for female artists—mothers and non-mothers alike—to make a name for themselves on the art market.

Motherhood is a leading topic this year: in February, Syker Vorwerk (near Bremen) concluded the successful exhibition “Motherhood. Not / Not yet / Not any more / Maybe / Motherhood.” In the exhibition "Shhhhh", the Aura Kunstraum in Düsseldorf shows different perspectives on art and motherhood until 14.5.2023. Thus, “Motherhood I / Concepts of Motherhood” finds itself in the best company in the Germanophone sphere. In January 2024, the series will be continued with the exhibition “Motherhood II.” Very important initiatives already working for the positive acceptance of motherhood in art are for example “Mehr Mütter für die Kunst” in Hamburg as well as “Procreate Project” in London. It is possible to learn more about these initiatives and projects within the exhibition. These are exemplary and do not offer an overall view, but we are honored to be able to represent them.

IntAkt – Internationale Aktionsgemeinschaft bildender Künstlerinnen / Vienna

in cooperation with HilbertRaum and Retramp Gallery, Berlin

curated by Hannah van Ginkel

supported by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport

Vernissage: Friday, 21.04.2023, 18:00 – 22:00 hrs, Performance: Isabel Czerwenka-Wenkstetten

„performance performance motherhood“, 19:00 hrs, Retramp Gallery

Discussion: Saturday, 22.04.2023, 17:30 – 19:00 Uhr, HilbertRaum

Finissage: Sunday, 30.04.2023, 14:00 – 19.00 hrs, Performance: Mirka Raito

„In Deiner Haut / Under Your Skin“, 17:00 hrs, HilbertRaum