MATERNAL FANTASIES is an evolving and interdisciplinary group of international artists and cultural producers based in Berlin, Germany. We (re)connected in 2018 to share experiences and insights into the most marginalised topic within both the art world and feminist discourse: Motherhood.
We join forces to embrace, discuss, elaborate and express contrasting experiences and family stories, memories, fantasies, desires and horror scenarios related to ‘Maternal Fantasies’.
Currently we meet every three-weeks to examine through artistic research, collaborative artworks and lived experience the dynamics between artistic creation and motherhood seeking to shape the discourse of motherhood through our artistic working process.
We are an organic group that produces works in different constellations between the individual group members.
Current group members are: Aino El Solh, Hanne Klaas, Isabell Spengler, Lena Chen, Magdalena Kallenberger, Maicyra Leão, Melanie Schlachter, Mikala Hyldig Dal, Olga Sonja Thorarensen, Sandra Moskova.
M1, Arthur Boskamp Stiftung, Hohenlockstedt, April 2019 The photo-text installation "Like so many..." was exhibited at "Colleagues Wanted I - Superheroines and visionary associates for everyday challenges", at alpha nova galerie Berlin in September 2018.
upcoming: Soloexhibition, M1 Arthur Boskamp Foundation, Hohenlockstedt, March 2020 catalogue, Maternal Fantasies, to be published March 2020
The voice of the mother is strong in my domestic scenes; she is an omniscient force, a conductor, or a referee. Chaos and clutter are represented with repetition and an
uncomfortable relationship with perspective. The drama and disruption are tempered
with an overt appreciation for the physicality of the act of painting and the closeness of
family. Building the domestic environment with color and pattern, and representing the
daily conflicts and developments with symbolism and metaphor are some of the ways I
tell the story of the evolution of the family.
The unexpected crisis has become a distinct character in my paintings, an insistent, loud, and powerful figure. Relationships shift and strain under the weight of the addition,
creating opportunities for growth, and causing each member to adjust expectations held
dear for the future. The unappealing and frightening moments are as beautiful as the
peaceful and happy times, and require people to reevaluate their priorities.