In celebration of author Hettie Judah’s latest book and exhibition Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood, the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi and the Villa Lena Foundation are organising a special panel dedicated to art and motherhood at the Strozzi Bistró.
The discussion will begin with an introductory word from Arturo Galansino, director of the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, and Lena Evstafieva, founder of the Villa Lena Foundation. Moderated by Hettie Judah, author and a former artist in residence with the Villa Lena Foundation, the panel invites the acclaimed painters Chantal Joffe and Caroline Walker to discuss approaches to motherhood as a subject within their own work, and the impact of maternity on their careers. Their discussion will delve into portrayals of mothers in art over the centuries, and how they have influenced images and ideals of motherhood.
A renowned critic, Judah has long been an amplifying voice for artist mothers. Her newest book, Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood, as well as her Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition of the same name, explores maternity through the work of more than 100 artists from prehistory to the present day. Expanding on conversations broached in Judah’s book, the panel discussion addresses the neglect of lived experiences of motherhood in art history, welcoming a new generation of artists in their interpretations of maternity and the creative challenges and inspiration it brings.
Event in English. Free admission subject to availability.
Panelists
Hettie Judah (Moderator)
Hettie Judah is a writer and curator of the Hayward Gallery Touring Exhibition Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood, showing until 2025. A regular contributor to The Guardian, Frieze, and the Times Literary Supplement, she writes a monthly column for Apollo magazine, and her writing can also be found in publications including Art Quarterly, Art Monthly, and ArtReview. Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood is the most recently published of her books, which also include Lapidarium: The Secret Lives of Stones and How Not To Exclude Artist Mothers (and other parents).
Chantal Joffe
Chantal Joffe is an artist based in London. Her work is currently on view in the exhibition Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood, curated by Hettie Judah. Joffe’s work can also be found in London’s new Elizabeth Line station at Whitechapel, as well as numerous institutional and private collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; National Portrait Gallery, London; and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston.
Caroline Walker
Caroline Walker is an artist based in Scotland. Her work is currently on view in the exhibition Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood, curated by Hettie Judah. Walker’s work can be found in collections around the world, including The British Museum, UK; Museum Voorlinden, Netherlands; and Art Gallery of New South Wales, Australia.
Cover: Bharti Kher, Angel (det.), 2004, Digital print on archival Hahnemuhle Photo Rag paper © Bharti Kher. Courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth