Mother follows the emotional and psychological complexities of postpartum depression (PPD) through the lens of a mother's personal journey. This digital art and photography series captures the intense emotional and physical challenges faced by a mother struggling with PPD, including feelings of isolation, anxiety, and identity loss. The work highlights the dichotomy between a mother’s inner turmoil and societal expectations, juxtaposing dark, raw imagery with playful scrapbook elements to emphasize both the heaviness and tenderness of motherhood. Mother draws inspiration from the works of photographers Cindy Sherman, Kim Turner-Smith, and Sally Mann, each of whom has explored themes of female identity, familial relationships, and human fragility. Through these influences, the project expands beyond traditional family photography, incorporating a sense of time, movement, and emotional depth. The mother in Mother grapples with the mental and emotional aftermath of childbirth, exacerbated by preexisting conditions such as borderline personality disorder and manic depression. The photographs serve as a visual diary, capturing moments of distress, reflection, and fleeting joy in the context of a family’s evolving dynamic. The thesis also explores the socio-economic factors affecting access to healthcare, highlighting the barriers mothers face in seeking professional support for mental health struggles. Ultimately, Mother fosters a conversation about the unspoken realities of postpartum mental health, aiming to connect women and create a shared space for understanding and healing.
