Motherhood: Paradox and Duality

Spanning centuries, Motherhood: Paradox and Duality showcase works from historical paintings to contemporary pieces. Traditional depictions are juxtaposed with modern interpretations that challenge stereotypes, reclaim narratives and give voice to the marginalized maternal experiences. 

Motherhood is not just private - it is a societal cornerstone that influences the economies, politics and cultural structures. As South Africa navigates colonial legacies, economic disparities and gender-based violence, this exhibition holds national significance. In an era of political instability, economic challenges, and shifting gender roles, mothering - whether biological, chosen, or communal - emerges as an act of care, resilience, and resistance. 

Through an intersectional lens, artists explore how race, class, sexuality and identity shape maternal experiences. The exhibition offers not a singular vision of motherhood, but a rich tapestry acknowledging joy, sacrifice, exhaustion, love and defiance. It challenges traditional family structures, interrogates cultural narratives and reimagines caregiving’s role in shaping our future. 

This exhibition speaks to those who have experienced, witnessed or been shaped by maternal care, including those who struggle with, embrace, or redefine motherhood. 

By presenting motherhood as both a site of strength and a battleground of expectation, Motherhood: Paradox and Duality fosters dialogue, reflection and change. It urges audiences to recognise caregiving as vital labour, acknowledge mothers' burdens, and celebrate the power of nurturing in a world that often undervalues it.