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.
