SUPERMOM

The idea to create a picture dedicated to all mothers in the world occurred to me when BANKSY’s picture of a boy playing with a superhero nurse appeared in the lobby of a Southampton hospital. The words of Paula Head, CEO of the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, moved me a lot. "The fact that Banksy has chosen us to recognize the outstanding contribution everyone in and with the NHS is making, in unprecedented times, is a huge honor." All caregivers these days are dealing with exceptional circumstances that should be honored, seen and recognized. It is infuriating to read about the shame, helplessness and despair of the many health workers worldwide who have been attacked, shamed, stigmatized and mobbed by their friends, neighbors and society around them. In September 2020, The Washington Post wrote that when a cluster of infections broke out at a Kyoto hospital, medical staffers "came home to fight an even more unsettling disease — fear and discrimination. Their children were turned away from nursery schools and after-school clubs, their spouses were told not to come to work.” The COVID 19 pandemic has pushed all of us to the limit. It has taken over the world, affecting politics, stock markets, tourism, the medical industry and social behavior. The words most often heard in 2020 were “Social Distancing”. Avoiding big crowds, standing two meters apart, waiting in front of supermarkets because only a certain number of people were allowed to go in. Closed schools, closed restaurants, closed parks, closed museums. Home schooling, home office, mothers like me going crazy. I often feel pushed to my personal limits: I have become not only a mother but also a teacher, a kindergarten teacher, a cook, a maid, a doctor, a nurse and an entertainer for my children. A consultant and psychiatrist for my husband. All of us at home, all of the time. Only fulfilling my family's needs, not having a moment for myself. I am exhausted. But when I read the news I am forced to realize that I am suffering at an extremely high level. We have a home, my husband has a job, I can spare my time for my children’s needs. A lot of mothers worldwide are in a much worse position than I am. Not being able to work because they have to take care of both their elderly parents and their children, not having any money to buy food, not having a proper home. Fearing about the lives of their loved ones every day. We mothers often have the feeling that nobody recognizes our efforts. But that is not true. My art piece shows a little girl playing with her superhero mom (inspired by Banksy’s “Superhero Nurse” picture). Barbie, Spiderman and Batman have been thrown aside. Mom is the new superhero. Next to her, a boy is spraying a heart and words that describe his mother on a wall. The landmarks behind the wall symbolize the closed international borders. With this picture I want to honor and motivate all mothers in the world. I want to encourage them not to give up, to keep fighting, to keep loving, to believe in themselves. I want to show them that they are seen, that they are special. Our children love us and they appreciate us more than they often show. Art and music can lighten up the darkest moments. Albert Einstein once said: “Creativity is contagious, pass it on!” In this sense I hope that you enjoy my art work and share it with all SUPERHERO MOTHERS.