My project delves into the darker side of motherhood, a reality that is often overshadowed by idealized narratives. When I became a mother, it initially felt like the pinnacle of happiness, but that joy quickly gave way to an overwhelming sense of despair. Raised in a cultural environment that perpetuates the stereotype of the tireless, ever-smiling mother who suppresses her emotions, I was unprepared for this reality. Conversations with other young mothers revealed a shared experience of isolation and silent suffering. Seeking guidance, I began working with a psychologist who affirmed that these feelings were not only normal but deeply human. However, in Eastern Europe, this aspect of motherhood remains largely unspoken, hidden behind societal expectations.
I began this project in 2019, the year my daughter Aurora was born, and it remains an ongoing endeavor. My goal is to challenge these ingrained ideals and bring to light the emotional complexities of motherhood. By confronting these hidden struggles, I hope to foster a culture of openness where women can feel safe to express the full range of their experiences, beyond the constraints of perfection. Only through this truth can we evolve and normalize the emotional turbulence that accompanies motherhood.
→ Nun 2017
My project delves into the darker side of motherhood, a reality that is often overshadowed by idealized narratives. When I became a mother, it initially felt like the pinnacle of happiness, but that joy quickly gave way to an overwhelming sense of despair. Raised in a cultural environment that perpetuates the stereotype of the tireless, ever-smiling mother who suppresses her emotions, I was unprepared for this reality. Conversations with other young mothers revealed a shared experience of isolation and silent suffering. Seeking guidance, I began working with a psychologist who affirmed that these feelings were not only normal but deeply human. However, in Eastern Europe, this aspect of motherhood remains largely unspoken, hidden behind societal expectations.
I began this project in 2019, the year my daughter Aurora was born, and it remains an ongoing endeavor. My goal is to challenge these ingrained ideals and bring to light the emotional complexities of motherhood. By confronting these hidden struggles, I hope to foster a culture of openness where women can feel safe to express the full range of their experiences, beyond the constraints of perfection. Only through this truth can we evolve and normalize the emotional turbulence that accompanies motherhood.
→ Nun 2017