An eclectic collective of artists sharing the ‘motherhood’ thread are holding their first public exhibition in Footscray.
Tribe for Art run a weekly playgroup focusing on co-creating with their children and will take over the Bluestone Church Art Space for their show Make Space | Hold Space | Claim Space.
Co-leader Emily Raubenheimer said the exhibition by the group of visual artists, sculptors, dancers, writers and others explores what it means to be a mother, a woman and an artist.
“When you become a mother, there is the sudden realisation that your space is shared; it fractures and is made whole again,” she said.
Raubenheimer said artists who are mothers often experience guilt that creativity can seem a selfish extravagance … but says it’s important to recognise that art is a lifeline for women who are otherwise isolated or invisible.
Co-leader Claire Weigall said the Tribe for Art philosophy encourages children to view their parents making art and be given opportunities to make their own art.
This has prompted a dedicated installation for children woven between the works of the mothers in the exhibition.
Make Space | Hold Space | Claim Space opens at Bluestone Church Arts Space with an ‘artistic circle’ from 7.30pm Thursday and closes May 24. The opening night will be from 5pm Friday. Details: www.facebook.com/TribeforArt
