PUSH by Shoshana

MiLa Geometrica - “Every Day I Fed You” - this enormous art installation is a creation by the artist after breastfeeding her baby for three years. In the artists words “Three and a half years of breastfeeding.
The invisible architecture of care: a material archive of caregiving time”

Made up of bags used for breast milk storage after pumping, this incredible artwork shows the endless job of a mother maintaining a baby’s need to continually supply milk as a source of food,growth and immunity **le

Arakawa-Nash at the Japan Pavillion - “Grass Babies, Moon Babies” - this immersive artwork creates a journey activated by visitors through acts
of care and movement. Upon entering the Pavilion, visitors are invited to hold and carry one
of 208 baby dolls through the Pavilion’s pilotis, gardens, and interior spaces. Visitors
participate in a final act of collective care by changing the dolls’ diapers and activating a QR
code that delivers a “diaper poem” based on each baby’s assigned birthday. These birthdays
are shaped at the intersection of the artist’s intimate, personal experiences and the long arc
of historical and social forces within and beyond Japan

Kaplun - “The Gift Of Time/Family Life” - this painting really moves me with its delicacy and contradiction - the huge hands of the adult compared to the tiny feet of a newborn. The contrast of a life size person holding and cradling such a small baby. The artist has managed so beautifully to paint the intricacies of both the weathered hands and arms with the smooth unblemished feet - that portrays so simply the feelings of protection, love, support and nurture

Brandes “Conception” - an interesting take on the miracle of conception. If only it was as ‘simple’ and black + white as portrayed - the intricacy of the body’s need to weave all the parts together is so multi layered and multi faceted that it’s a miracle it actually happens every time! Liking the 9 squares for the 9 months - representing the different stages of growth

Artist unknown - “The Zipper” - this painting made me do a double take as usually “the zipper” alludes to the ‘zipper club’ of people having had heart surgery! That famous scar down the chest usually gives away the tell tale sign that someone has had some form of heart surgery. This interesting take illustrates the form of a baby growing inside - curled up in the classic fetal position attached to the umbilical chord. The wonder of pregnancy and childbirth!

Hudacek - “The Child Who Was Never Born” - this beautiful and haunting sculpture by the Slovakian artist was created as a memorial for all the unborn children in the world - and portrays the raw and forever echo of GRIEF and disbelief - and the enormously heavy emotional weight and burden of losing a child. The use of different materials used for the sculpture is exquisite - the solid for the mother and translucent for the unborn child. Magnificent.

Anita Salemink - “Untitled” - this drawing from the Dutch artist is both haunting and tender. In the artists words: “ This drawing explores the unbreakable bond between mother and child. A skeletal arm, transformed into a protective wing, shelters the baby—an image of mother love that endures beyond life itself. The juxtaposition of bone and tenderness speaks of protection, even in death.
Rendered with sensitivity, the composition radiates a soothing, serene presence. Despite its stark imagery, the work conveys deep tranquility, where the fragile figure of the baby rests sately under the eternal embrace of its mother.

Savchuk - “BIRTH” -
In the artists words: “Birth” is a vibrant and dynamic relief composition that embodies the themes of new beginnings, growth, and creation. The colorful circular forms radiating from the center hint at the emergence of life, reminiscent of an egg—a powerful symbol of potential and new possibilities. Each colorful element represents the unfolding of something fresh and new.
The lively mix of bright colors is intended to inspire feelings of joy, hope, and renewal. This piece brings a vibrant energy and positivity to any space

Domenica Cojocaru-Thanasiadis - “The Act of God” - this pretty shocking and haunting image stirs up in me not an anger directed at God - but at a story I have been following so closely - of the ongoing systematic failures of the NUH - Nottingham University Hospital highlighted by the Ockendon Report. Experts have concluded that there were “potentially avoidable outcomes” relating to over 444 maternity cases and 76 neonatal cases in which 260 babies died or were seriously harmed. Shockingly horrific numbers. Women and families destroyed by actions that go against the basic fabric of what pregnancy and birth is meant to be. In Donna Ockenden’s words: “This is a report about how a system failed, and what it costs when it fails. It costs lives, futures and families, everything.”

Dragusel - “Mom?” - This image and title makes me smile - the baby is fully formed and ready to be born and waits for the “right time” to make its entrance into the world! I always tell my clients that these babies dictate the terms - will decide when and how they want to be born. We all think we’re in control as the birthing parent - but boy that can be untrue! Babies decide to communicate to all of us out there beyond the womb via the consistency of their heart rate - whether they poo meconium or not from within - and will decide to take their own time on their exit. They show their personalities from within!