Art that explores the raw, unfiltered realities of motherhood—beyond the idealised Madonna and Child archetype—has been rare, long considered taboo. But now, it’s the focus of urgent discussion.

Coinciding with her nationally acclaimed exhibition Acts of Creation, curator Hettie Judah delves into the myths, mess, and mishaps of motherhood through 150 thought-provoking artworks. Returning to Jewish Book Week, the Lapidarium author examines how visual culture has shaped ideas about motherhood and how later female artists, from Barbara Hepworth to Jenny Saville, have challenged and reclaimed the narrative. A compelling exploration of art and the evolving story of motherhood. In conversation with broadcaster and presenter Bidisha.

This event will last approximately 1 hour, without an interval.

About the speakers:

Hettie Judah is a writer and art critic, contributing regularly to the Guardian, Apollo, Frieze and the Times Literary Supplement among many other publications. She has lectured widely on art and motherhood, and in 2022 co-founded the Art Working Parents Alliance. Recent books include Lapidarium: The Secret Lives of Stones (2022) and How Not To Exclude Artist Mothers (and other parents) (2022)

Bidisha is a broadcaster, presenter and journalist for TV, radio, film and newspapers. She writes for the main UK broadsheets (currently as a critic and columnist for The Observer and The Guardian) and works heavily for BBC, ITN, CNN, Channel 5 and Sky News. Her fifth book, Asylum and Exile: Hidden Voices of London, is based on her outreach work in UK prisons, refugee charities and detention centres, and her most recent publication is the essay The Future of Serious Art.