A look from art to motherhood. Rethinking our experiences of childbirth and parenting through the images of art history in the art therapy workshop

Abstract

The traumatic nature of the experiences of childbirth and motherhood, is a reality often silenced, based on a patriarchal conception of reproduction and women. This reality, which is related to the absence of a respectful accompaniment to the physiological and psychological processes involved in the transition to motherhood, has a great impact on the lives and bodies of women, as well as their creatures.

This article presents a workshop proposal that is based on the experience developed in my doctoral thesis, in which I have shown how art therapy can be a valuable way for maternity care, offering ways for emotional expression and mutual support, where the ellaboration of these experiences can find a safe space. From the feminist perspective, as well as positive parenting, this is especially relevant because any intervention that favors maternal well-being, strengthens empowerment, resilient resources, and secure attachment bonds.

Based on a compilation and review of the cultural representations of motherhood in art history and contemporary art, in this workshop I propose the use of these images as art-elicitation, as a catalyst for the emotional and artistic expression.

 Two cases are shown, in the health and educational fields. Following the first contact with the images, attendees were invited to create their own art work, offering a space for articulation, integrations and sharing group resonances, that allow us to re-think maternal images.