Skip to main content

I don’t think any art that I’ve seen lately has resonated as much with me as Madeline Donaghue’s depictions of Motherhood. Of course, being a mom of two small kids myself. The way she captures small moments that we have all experienced – reminding you that yes it can be challenging; but it’s also wonderful, funny, fleeting…

In Madeline’s work, the impossible task of having it all, and somehow loving the desperation of it, is rendered into Matisse-like compositions. Here an arm, there, a voyeuristic glance in the mirror; is that an extra leg? Likely not, though also, would likely be a helpful intrusion if it were. Across the pictures, what we find is a lack of distinction. A blurring of boundaries, whose toes are being painted, where does the mother end and the child begin?

In Madeline’s vision of this demanding role, there is so much brightness. Across the pictures, a positivity, a radiance, a sense of humor, an appreciation for the brevity of this time in which one is so desperately and endlessly needed. In Madeline’s depictions of motherhood there is a tenderness; love and a definitive choice to embody this motherhood.  – Nina Johnson

You can view her virtual exhibition Live Wire at Nina Johnson’s Viewing Salon, and see more work on her website. Follow Madeline on Instagram here.

Miss Moss

Hey! I'm Miss Moss. But you can call me Diana. This blog is a means of curating and sharing my love for visual treasures. Learn more about me here.

7 Comments

  • Keri Bainborough says:

    absolutely beautiful. thank you for sharing x

  • Laura says:

    Thank you for sharing these! They really resonate with me as well. Some also make me a little sad or uncomfortable. I wonder if we would have these feelings about motherhood (the sort of smothering, destruction of ourselves vibe I’m getting from these) if we had different cultural values around family and motherhood. In the US at least, I feel like there is a lot of attention paid to the struggle for more maternity leave, better policies for working moms, access to daycare, etc. which are all super important, but I don’t feel like they address the psychological struggle and loneliness I recognize in these works. I don’t know what the answer is but thank you for provoking the thoughts.

  • Lexie says:

    I wish I could have a print edition of the cars on the body one. There is something so lovely and poignant about that sensation.

  • Ann kent says:

    BEAUTIFUL images of the reality and deep beauty of our “oneness” with our children. I loved my early years with my 2 children. The “closeness” I felt then I would LOVE to feel again. Yes, at times we all longed for those late night moments when we could be alone and simply read a book. Your paintings, however, draw me back to that absolutely beautiful time in my life when “being a mother” was the closest thing I knew and felt as “Love.”
    Would also be interested in a print. How do I find them?☺️

    • Miss Moss says:

      Hi Ann – the paintings are by Madeline Donaghue, you can find all the info in the post – or check her website here :)

  • Madeline says:

    Thank you!

  • mosey says:

    Wow. I’m having one of those overthinking and overworrying parenting days and these portraits have me in awe. Perfectly captured moments and feelings. Thank you for sharing this. Oh, and I’m really happy to see you blogging still/again? I missed this space.