ANNIE HSIAO-CHING WANG, THE MOTHER AS CREATOR
“Would I be able to prove that it was difficult or even possible to be an artist during motherhood?” - Annie Wang
“Over the years – 21 to be precise – the project evolved, deepening as did the tender relationship between mother and son. The near-annual photographic traditions brought Annie and her son closer, “because we often need to recall, review and revise” both the past and future in order to make a new image. As the series progresses, we see a child grow from an unborn baby to a fully grown young man in just a few clicks. The foreground is littered with objects that provide a glimpse into the mother and son’s wider lives. We see toys, Christmas trees, painting rollers, record players and books come and go with the years, building a bigger picture of the interests that come into play as an artist makes her way in the world while her son discovers language, music, drawing, eventually leaving home to find his own path in life like his mother before him.
The Mother As a Creator not only encapsulates a moving coming-of-age relationship for the viewer, it also stands testament that an artist can fulfil their sense of self while maintaining a good and meaningful relationship with their child. In this way, the series reframes motherhood, importantly, from a Taiwanese perspective. The 21-year-long project has helped Annie break through her doubts. Step by step and photograph by photograph, she now collaborates with her son to build the work together, discussing the important things in life and what they individually want to present in each photograph. “I have explored the creativity of motherhood which enriches my art, I couldn’t have imagined this at the beginning of doing the project,” she finally goes on to say. “I experience the power of time, creativity and photography. However, I do feel sad about the time flying.” - It’s Nice That