CONCEPTual art is informational art. It sends a message or is rather meant to relay one. It can be beautiful, offensive, inappropriate (if in a very public place) or simply bring to the forefront issues that we do not think about often. The last is the case with Mary Kelley. Her work "Post Partum Document" 1973-1979 may not be what we as parents-to-be think about when discovering we are about to enter parenthood. The realization of finances and parenting skills for some slowly sinks in. I believe her work is as valid today as it was then because our economy has been so unsteady and parent support from extended family so limited by time, distance and circumstances. Living on one income can be done but so very carefully. Finding support from outside sources is a challenge as well.This piece is her visual journal of a time in the mother-child life that she tells us she is unsure of. It chronicles a parents' decision making process with observation and documentation. The small hand is not necessarily an entire hand outspread as most hand prints are. It appears to be a fist clenched together. She states : "...perhaps she should stay home". Is she thinking that her child needs her or does she need to work for obvious financial or relational reasons??
I think it goes deeper than that taking into account that she is sharing her images to a wide range of people. She is concerned about her child's two year-old aggressiveness and is "anxious" about going to work. I can understand that but let's go further beyond the artist. What is the child telling the mother? What is the mother attempting to tell us? Something about herself or ourselves? How do children without much language express themselves?
At this age and stage perhaps this child does want to communicate to the mother that he does indeed want her to stay. Behavior at this point is the only thing he has to verbalize anything. She been attacked by her own child multiple times and is concerned that she is probably the source of the matter and that perhaps she should stay home instead. If she can perhaps she could try to do so a little longer to train the child and become the authoritative figure he is so keenly asking for through his non-verbal behavior. He is asking,"Who is in charge here?"
Herein lies the conundrum. Kelley's artistic work raises questions and causes the viewer to think through perhaps their own situation. Should I stay or should I go? What do I invest my time in? Will I be pushing us into near poverty if I do stay home? If I do stay home what will that accomplish? If I go to work am I shortchanging my child and our family's life together? What is the best choice here? Is there a best choice? Something has to be sacrificed: mother/child time, child-rearing and teaching your child yourself, income and/or career.
Her mother-heart is torn as are most women's in this situation. Kelley accomplishes her mission. She causes us to see ourselves in her situation and in her reflective art piece. This is no "scrapbooker's fluff" but the bare content that personal and historical legacies are made of.
This is a long address but worth the look. You will be able to see the image much bigger here:
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