For too long, artists have been told that they can't have both motherhood and a successful career. In this polemical volume, critic and campaigner Hettie Judah argues that a paradigm shift is needed within the art world to take account of the needs of artist mothers (and other parents: artist fathers, parents who don't identify with the term 'mother', and parents in other sectors of the art world).

Drawing on interviews with artists internationally, the book highlights some of the success stories that offer models for the future, from alternative support networks and residency models, to studio complexes with onsite childcare, and galleries with family-friendly policies.

Some artists have described motherhood as providing them with renewed focus, a new direction in their work, and even inspiration for a complete change of career. Other artists choose to keep their domestic and creative lives compartmentalised. All are placed at a disadvantage by the art world as it is currently structured. This book argues that by making changes and becoming more sensitive to the needs of artist parents, the art world has much to gain.

About the Author
Hettie Judah is an art critic and writer who has spent many years researching and campaigning on the subject of art and motherhood. Her recent books include Art London (2019), Frida Kahlo (2020) and Caroline Walker: Janet (2020).

Reviews

'Hettie Judah's How Not to Exclude Artist Mothers and Other Parents is a manifesto for change at every level, from art schools to studios to institutions and beyond.' - Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, The Guardian

'Judah's important book examines the current climate of discrimination against parents who are also artists and points to the impediments of motherhood as symptomatic of wilder societal ills. She makes a valid point in her conclusion, arguing an art world that "does not include artist mothers fails to engage with life in full."' - Debra Brehmer, Hyperallergic

Book Information
ISBN 9781848226128
Author Hettie Judah
Format Hardback
Page Count 104
Imprint Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd
Publisher Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd