monika wührer

Visceral Circle

2002, Frontroom, NY; 2004, Art Position, Vienna
Published in the Book: writing the future - progress and evolution (Terra Nova Books)

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I became a mother on October 9th, 2001. With the birth of Oskar, I understand the beauty of motherhood. Growing up a tomboy, I wanted to be rough, play the same games, do the same work, and drink as much beer as men. I still feel this way but I am now fully aware of the genetic difference between women and men. Our 'modern' culture still does not appreciate the complexities and challenges of the modern mother. Thanks to the great strides made during the feminist movement, women have many more financial and career opportunities today. There aren't, however, so many for mothers who prefer to rear their children.

Using the act of breast feeding to symbolize and embody these ideas, the viewer is brought into a visceral realization of where we all come from. We are nourished by our mothers, while they are punished by diminished opportunities.

Men, in this regard still dominate. In Steinem's view, feminism was asking a basic question: Why do people have to assume that one group has to dominate the other? Why not assume there will be cooperation instead of domination? Well, we women, especially we mothers, are still waiting for the answer.