Maternity in Contemporary Art: The Glorious Mothers Collective and Beyond
Contemporary art is witnessing a shift in the portrayal of motherhood, as Italian artists tackle previously unspoken themes. In 2016, Dyana Gravina and Paola Lucente established the Procreate Project, which includes The Mother Studios aimed at supporting artist-mothers. On February 27 at 7 PM, Cristina Cusani (Naples, 1984) will unveil the second phase of Lost in Motherhood at Libreria Dispaccio, featuring contributions from Irene Alison, Sara Barcaroli, Martina Cirese, and Giulia Iacolutti. This initiative explores topics such as assisted reproduction, adoption, breastfeeding, abortion trauma, and Reborn dolls. Cusani is also a member of The Glorious Mothers collective, which was founded in 2020. Mariantonietta Bagliato (Bari, 1985) will showcase Per sempre tua, opening on March 8 in Bari.
Key facts
- Procreate Project founded in 2016 by Dyana Gravina and Paola Lucente
- The Mother Studios launched to support artist-mothers
- Cristina Cusani's Lost in Motherhood is part of Strategia Fotografia 2024
- Talk on February 27, 2025 at 7 PM at Libreria Dispaccio, Naples
- The Glorious Mothers collective formed in 2020 during first lockdown
- Residency at Cittadellarte Fondazione Pistoletto in Biella in July 2024
- Residency produced Affezioni photographic series (2024)
- Mariantonietta Bagliato's Per sempre tua opens March 8 in Bari
Entities
Artists
- Dyana Gravina
- Paola Lucente
- Cristina Cusani
- Irene Alison
- Sara Barcaroli
- Martina Cirese
- Giulia Iacolutti
- Kristina Varaksina
- Helen Knowles
- Karni Arieli
- Sara Basta
- Mariana Ferratto
- Francesca Grossi
- Vera Maglioni
- Caterina Pecchioli
- Lorena Peris
- Dafne Salis
- Miriam Secco
- Mariantonietta Bagliato
- Lydia Pribisova
- Margherita Perugini
Institutions
- Procreate Project
- The Mother Studios
- Strategia Fotografia 2024
- Libreria Dispaccio
- Madre (Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina)
- Birth Rites Collection
- Eye Mama Project
- The Glorious Mothers
- Cittadellarte Fondazione Pistoletto
- Vettor Art Project
- Artribune
Locations
- Naples
- Italy
- Biella
- Bari