"Child-focused Exhibition: 'MAMA' at Kunstpalast Düsseldorf"

Exhibition "Mama. Von Maria bis Merkel" Explores Changing Image of Motherhood

The Kunstpalast Düsseldorf is currently hosting a thought-provoking exhibition titled "Mama. Von Maria bis Merkel," which delves into the evolving image of motherhood over time. The exhibition runs until August 3rd, 2023, and offers an art historical investigation, as well as psychological and sociological aspects.

The journey begins with a display of "The Good Mother," featuring various forms of the Virgin Mary with the Jesus child. This section serves as a starting point, symbolizing absolute maternal devotion.

Artist Katharina Bosse's series "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Mother" is a significant part of the exhibition, revealing some women's choice not to have children. The series challenges traditional notions of motherhood and invites viewers to question who acts maternally.

A self-portrait by the Düsseldorf artist Judith Samen, "Bread Cutting," is included in the exhibition. The ironic piece depicts the artist while roughly "cutting bread" with her naked baby tucked under her arm.

American artist A.L. Steiner's enormous photo collage brings together images of pregnant women, same-sex couples, and people cuddling with their dogs, blurring the lines between human and animal motherhood.

The exhibition also includes disturbing representations for those with children, such as a gruesome breast pump from 1956, a device still in use today for breastfeeding working women.

Designer Gaetano Pece named his red, cuddly armchair "La Mamma" in 1969, symbolizing the maternal figure in a more abstract and comforting way.

Lara Jordan's text-image "Inhibition: Call your mother and hang up" suggests a bold statement, challenging the conventional roles of mothers and children.

Visitors who have sent a contribution for a sound collage to the museum elevate maternity to a gender-neutral virtue, further questioning the traditional stereotypes associated with motherhood.

The exhibition features 120 paintings, sculptures, and objects from eight centuries, offering a comprehensive exploration of motherhood throughout history.

The ticket cost is 16 Euro (for all exhibitions and the collection), and it's 5 Euro on Mother's Day, May 12th, thanks to sponsor L'Oréal. A sunny yellow catalog from Hirmer Verlag can be purchased for 39.80 Euro in the shop.

The last exhibition room is considered the most important, with a focus on questioning "Who acts maternally?" This room encourages viewers to reflect on their own definitions of motherhood and the roles they play in society.

The short room texts in the exhibition are easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide audience. The "Mama. Von Maria bis Merkel" exhibition at the Kunstpalast Düsseldorf is a must-visit for anyone interested in the evolving image of motherhood and the societal expectations surrounding it.