Representation of motherhood in contemporary art

Abstract

This thesis looked at how contemporary artists portray motherhood and the mother-child relationship, focusing on how they challenge traditional ideas of motherhood. The main goal was to understand how different factors like gender, culture, and personal experiences influence these representations. I analyzed works by artists such as Mary Kelly, Catherine Opie, and Zanele Muholi, who were chosen for their exploration of feminist ideas, queerness, and race in relation to caregiving and motherhood.

To do this, I used psychological, feminist, and intersectional theories to examine how artists use visual strategies and symbolism to express themes like love, sacrifice, absence, and resilience. I also brought in my own experience as a mother to better understand these themes.

The research ended with creating my own artwork that reflects the themes explored in the thesis. The findings provide a deeper look at how contemporary artists are reshaping the idea of motherhood and challenging old stereotypes. This thesis offers new insights into the complex motherhood in art, combining both personal and academic perspectives.