Mother! Origin of Life

The mother is a motif in art and literature, from prehistoric fertility goddesses to the Madonna and Child. This volume explores how depictions of motherhood have been linked to broader cultural perceptions, with excerpts, essays, and poems by Marcel Proust, Maggie Nelson, Rachel Cusk, Lydia Davis, Gustave Flaubert, Sylvia Plath, and Hans Christian Andersen.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 18 December 2021
Publisher: Louisiana

The mother holds a revered and multifaceted position in art and literature, spanning from prehistoric fertility goddesses to the iconic Madonna and Child and beyond. As the catalyst that brings us into this world, our mother serves as the physical and cultural foundation upon which we build our lives. Even in the face of loss or absence, we are all united by the bond of motherhood, for we are her sons and daughters. Throughout the annals of history and across diverse cultures, the role of the mother has undergone a dynamic evolution, oscillating between expansion and contraction as traditional family structures are both challenged and fortified. This comprehensive collection of art and literature explores the myriad representations of the mother figure in the rich tapestry of art history, encompassing religion, music, film, and medicine. Thought-provoking excerpts, essays, and poems by renowned authors such as Marcel Proust, Maggie Nelson, Rachel Cusk, Lydia Davis, Gustave Flaubert, Sylvia Plath, and Hans Christian Andersen delve into the profound essence of motherhood, alongside a vast array of visual material. While the primary focus of this volume lies in the art of the 20th and 21st centuries, Mother! Origin of Life extends its reach backward through time, tracing artistic motifs from the prehistoric era to Ancient Greece to the Renaissance. It highlights how contemporary artists continue to tap into these universal themes, resonating with audiences across generations. Spanning over 150 artworks, expert texts, and a concise anthology of motherhood in literature, this publication unveils the intricate connections between depictions of motherhood in the arts and broader cultural perceptions. The roster of artists featured in this publication is a testament to the diverse and influential voices in the field, including Sophie Calle, Mary Cassatt, Rineke Dijkstra, Laure Prouvost, Frida Orubapo, Tracey Emin, Alberto Giacometti, Mary Kelly, René Magritte, Alice Neel, and Pablo Picasso.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 239 x 262 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788793659384