---
title: The Artistry in Maternity
date: 2023-10-03T05:30:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/the-artistry-in-maternity"
section: Articles
---
# The Artistry in Maternity

*October 3, 2023* — by [Sala Levin ’10](/author/sala-levin-10)


> UMD Art Gallery Exhibitions Contrast Traditions, Rituals from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day Brooklyn

*UMD African Art Mother Molds opening 75 1920x1080 — A visitor checks out the artwork on display at the University of Maryland Art Gallery's two new exhibits, "African Art from the Dr. Gilbert and Jean Jackson Collection" and "Mother Molds," which offer different perspectives on maternity.*

In one corner, a centuries-old wooden figure depicts a mother carrying a child on her back. In another, a contemporary foam mold covered with glitter, acrylic paints and resin shows the outline of a pregnant body, belly bulging with new life.

A pair of new exhibits in the [University of Maryland Art Gallery](http://artgallery.umd.edu/), up through Dec. 8, highlights the eternal theme of maternity. “African Art from the Dr. Gilbert and Jean Jackson Collection” and “Mother Molds” by Coralina Rodriguez Meyer approach the subject matter from different perspectives, one traditional and one modern.



*Wooden figurine of a mother holding a child — This figurine, "Mother Holding Child," is by an anonymous artist from the Mekoto people in present-day Democratic Republic of Congo. It is crafted from a single piece of wood.*



*Orange sculpture of headless, footless woman holding her stomach — (Photo by Taras W. Matla)*



**Sidebar note:**

The University of Maryland Art Gallery is located in the Parren J. Mitchell Art-Sociology Building. The gallery is open Monday­–Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.





**Topics:** [Arts & Culture](https://today.umd.edu/tags/arts-culture), [Campus & Community](https://today.umd.edu/tags/campus-community)


**Tags:** [Visual Arts](https://today.umd.edu/topic/visual-arts), [Arts](https://today.umd.edu/topic/arts)


**Units:** [College of Arts and Humanities](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-arts-and-humanities)