Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwanese photographer Annie Wang has spent nearly two decades documenting the intimate and evolving relationship between herself and her son, challenging traditional perceptions of motherhood through her long-term photographic project, The Mother as a Creator.
Initiated in 2001, before the birth of her son, the project spans an impressive 17 years, exploring the complexities and multifaceted nature of motherhood. Each year, Wang photographs herself with her son, standing before a portrait taken in the previous year. This unique approach forms a “time-tunnel” artwork, creating a layered visual narrative that reflects the passage of time and the deepening emotional connection between mother and child.
Wang’s project is far from conventional. Rather than portraying idealized or saccharine images of motherhood, she seeks to capture its complexities, offering an honest and nuanced representation. In her own words, Wang describes the project as a “long-term process with a complex weaving of experiences,” emphasizing that motherhood cannot be confined to simplistic, traditional portrayals.
The culmination of the project is an evolving, powerful visual record of her personal journey through motherhood. By positioning herself and her son within the same frame each year, the photos not only chart his growth but also highlight the subtle changes in her identity as a mother.
Wang’s work has garnered significant attention, being showcased in renowned institutions such as the J. Paul Getty Museum and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Her project has resonated widely, sparking discussions on societal expectations of mothers and the significance of self-representation in art.
With The Mother as a Creator, Annie Wang has succeeded in redefining the visual language surrounding motherhood. Her powerful body of work not only documents the passage of time but challenges conventional norms, highlighting the evolving identities and relationships that shape the human experience.
