What does being a mum mean to you, outside the school run or the buggy pushing or the nappy changing? Who are you since having kids?
Is there anything left of the person that used to be or have you transformed into someone more empowered (or just too darn exhausted to think)?
These are some of the questions addressed in the Kensington Mums Motherhood Exhibition, a revealing, poignant, funny and often tear-jerking video and photographic portraits of real mums telling it from the heart.
The exhibition is part of a wider project, Story of Mum curated by script consultant and mum of two Pippa Best, calling mothers from all over to share their experiences and also reclaim their identities beyond that of ‘baby-maker’.
I was invited by Dina (above), the enterprising mama behind local parents’ group Kensington Mums, to feature in the exhibition.
All the subjects were asked to write on a chalkboard, filling in the blank after the statement ‘I’m a Mum and…’
The responses ranged from ‘Juggler’ (that’s Dina!) to ‘Wannabe Tycoon’ (this from a mother of 3 kids under 3, including twins!), to ‘Closet Creative’ (my fellow Mother & Shaker Nomita) to my favourite, simply ‘Happy’.
Mine was a no-brainer.
I’m so proud to be part of this project. The photos, shot by Juliana of Captured by Juliana, turned out beautifully and the video, which premiered at the exhibition launch last month, makes for insightful and occasionally emotional viewing. There were tears, and much laughter, at the screening.
I urge you to check out the Kensington Mums Motherhood Exhibition online. Settle down with some popcorn (and a few hankies) to watch the video interviews. And why not go ahead and add your voice to the series?
The Story of Mum web site is still accepting online submissions of your text and images.
The exhibition will travel around the country and then across the pond to feature at the Museum of Motherhood in New York.
It’s an epic narrative with a unifying theme: there is so much more to motherhood than one can ever imagine or fully describe.
Because we are all mothers and…
Photos (apart from my picture of Dina) courtesy of Kensington Mums
Thanks for taking part in this great project xx
Beautifully written. And, ha! There I am, little miss ‘happy’, standing right next to you ;) xx
Lovely post and it is a fabulous exhibition, definitely one to see.
Thanks Nomita, it really was such a great project and glad I made the effort to get involved. Your piece was beautiful too x
Thanks so much Shumailla and haha, you’re gorgeous hon ;-) So many emotions whirling around weren’t there? Great to meet you and hope to catch up at the KM Summer Drinks or sooner! x
Thank YOU Dina, you’re a force of nature putting it together with such style and warmth. It’s a tribute to you and what you do in your community. Thrilled to be a part and big up to you and fab photographer Juliana x