On Motherhood and Its Shadows

On Motherhood and its Shadows is a multidisciplinary kaleidoscope of curated events which include talks, workshops, and artistic interventions that tackle motherhood as a concept and reality in this part of the world. It deals with questions around womanhood and motherhood, embracing their complexities, limitations, and freedom of choice. This project offers a unique opportunity for participants to explore discourses and hidden narratives as
well as share life experiences surrounding motherhood and mothering, with the intention of locating commonalities and differences in our approaches to this universal experience. In the short term, this multi-year project will yield another kaleidoscope of events and in-depth, collaborative workshops. In the long term, the collation of reflections, stories and knowledge shared will inspire a book/anthology of creative contributions as well as audio archives.

After a successful series of events in May 2023 there was a desire among contributors and attendees to continue unpacking the multitude of lived experiences and discourses shaping motherhood in the region. The feedback
received communicated a collective appreciation for the multidisciplinary and inclusive potential and the blend of intellectual analysis and intimate, personal reflection offered in the various spaces. This will continue to characterize the spirit of the second iteration. Additionally, diverse thematic pathways will be explored such as – but not limited to – motherhood and reproductive iconography in religion, mothering in conflict and under oppression, reproductive identity and its relation to adult and child development. Many topics will contribute to an overarching theme of motherhood in relation to regional migration and migratory journeys.

Project Researchers