Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood

by Hettie Judah

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Parenting

272 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Clare Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fascinating investigation of lots of different methods of caring/mothering/birthing in the context of art from fertility statues and Madonna iconography to contemporary installations. The book illuminates why it is so important to understand the way caring bodies are and have been situated within a patriarchal and colonial world and therefore alienated. Beautifully written in an engaging and provoking way. We love Hettie Judah!

[Tabish Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic look at how motherhood has been depicted throughout art history from ancient times to contemporary artists. It's an accompaniment to her touring exhibition on art and motherhood, which I'm looking forward to seeing.

[Zane Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful. Hettie Judah takes an inclusive approach to motherhood and how it has been depicted in artworks or impacted artists themselves. This allows her to celebrate what’s worth celebrating and bemoan what’s worth bemoaning.

It’s a truly wonderful and broad look at the interplay between art and motherhood. And, since motherhood and culture more broadly are so intertwined, the interaction between motherhood and society.

My one caveat is that it is probably better with at least some understanding of art history and the history of feminism. Not a must, but likely helpful.

I found it inspiring — it makes me want to create more art myself (maybe around fatherhood?).

Highly recommended.

[Alison Exley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been beautifully curated and written. There were moments that inspired a raw piece of activism to take hold of me, and other moments where I just sat in silence giving a moment for the words to sink in.

The only possible criticism is that I wish that every artpiece Judah references in the book, some I had to search for and collate into my own little image gallery. It would be great if she could release a companion book which is just all the artwork mentioned in the book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informative!

[Matilda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely bloody brilliant. So informative, insightful, though-provoking, engaging and wide-ranging. Encompasses many often missed perspectives around fertility difficulties, abortion, loss, LGBTQ+ perspectives. Can’t recommend it enough

[cow girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

chef’s kiss