Taipei City, Taiwan – Annie Wang, an acclaimed photographer hailing from Taipei City, embarked on a profound visual journey back in 2001, even before her son’s birth. Titled ‘The Mother As A Creator,’ this ongoing photo series has gracefully documented the poignant moments of her child’s growth for the past 17 years.
Annie Wang’s project is a unique exploration of motherhood as an art form, challenging the conventional norms of selflessness and sacrifice associated with being a mother. “In the world of mothers where everything is hidden, the best way to speak out is through the strategy of self-representation, to express various parts of the self,” she shared in an interview with Bored Panda.
As a woman and a mother, Annie Wang seeks to reclaim her narrative by actively creating her own self-portrait through her photography. The series becomes a platform to express her diverse facets, resisting being interpreted through the lens of a male artist, as tradition often dictates.
“The Mother is like an artist doing her work while calling upon her own wisdom,” Annie Wang states, reinforcing the idea that motherhood is a profound act of creation. It extends beyond the physical act of bringing a life into this world, transforming into a continuous and fluid matrix of experiences shared between mother and child.
Through ‘The Mother As A Creator,’ Annie Wang aims to illustrate the transformative power of motherhood on the artist herself. Each year, she captures a photograph of herself and her son, and the following year, she poses in front of that same picture. This layering technique creates a visually striking representation of their journey together.
“From within these dimensions will emerge a new depiction/visualization of Motherhood,” Annie Wang explains. The photographs become a window into the evolving relationship between mother and child, their growth and connection beautifully etched upon the canvas of time.
The gallery of images showcases the tender moments of nurturing, the joy of milestones, and the evolving identities of both mother and son. Annie Wang’s camera becomes a medium of expression, capturing the essence of motherhood with honesty and vulnerability.
As the years unfold, ‘The Mother As A Creator’ continues to inspire and touch hearts. Annie Wang’s photographic chronicle serves as a testament to the multifaceted nature of motherhood, transcending traditional stereotypes and embracing the power of self-representation.
The photographs speak volumes about the power of love, growth, and connection between a mother and her child. Annie Wang’s artistic journey stands as a celebration of motherhood’s profound impact on both the creator and the creation, etching an indelible mark in the annals of photographic history.