Ossining, New York. A conversation with artist, educator, and cultural worker Anna Adler continuing to explore the idea of the body as home through the lens of mothering - inspired in part by my own experience of pregnancy (we welcomed our daughter Josephine in January 2020) and the idea of literally providing shelter for another being. The real catalyst for this first conversation, originally recorded in May 2020, was a group exhibition Anna curated titled (s)mother at Bethany Arts Community in Ossining, New York. The second iteration of that show is happening again this year, (s)mother 2.0: care in (a time of) crisis, opening on May 8 and on view through May 29, 2021. In conjunction with the exhibition, a series of related conversations will be released in the coming weeks/months.
Ultimately, the conversation with Anna and those that will follow consider a broader exploration of what it means to mother and what it means to take care in a time of crisis. In this episode, Anna shares her own struggle with post-partum depression and curating as a means of catharsis. This episode also features original music by Char McCutcheon.
Anna, Graham, and Frida, Ossining, New York, February 2019.
Resources
If you are struggling with postpartum depression, know you are not alone. Contact postpartum support international at 1.800.944.4773 to find local support.
(s)mother 2.0: care in (a time of) crisis at Bethany Arts Community
Virtual Opening: Saturday, May 8, 2021, 5-6pm
Virtual Mid-Run Conversation: Saturday, May 15, 11am-12:30pm
Closing at Bethany: Saturday, May 29, 2pm