baby can't go to a vernissage

A vernissage (varnishing, from French), also known as a preview, private view or simply opening, is the start of an art exhibition. Guests may be served canapés and wine as they discuss with artists and others the works in the exhibition. Critics and press may also be present, or invited to separate private viewings.

As my friendly curator told me….

A BABY CAN”T GO TO A VERNISSAGE...........babies are not welcome.

I find myself queasy just thinking of going to something [now] called a vernissage. I have visions of creaking floors, older men with cold sweaty hands and cattle markets.

ECCE MAMA is [2010-2011] is a series of “collages”. My son is growing. He walks around and touches things. His senses are running full speed. Aware. He is never tired. He brings me trophies. He regularly presents me with evidence of his findings. ECCE MAMA are piles of that maternal stuff: used napkins, plants, crumpled things, half eaten food, animal parts, horrifyingly dangerous things that need to be explained and named, dead things, etc. I have preserved each unsanitary pile collection. I have also lacquered it in the pompous high gloss pretentiousness and preciousness fit for an authentic vernissage. I have given them the dated, biblical, Nietzschean title ECCE MAMA. I am presented, reframed, defined, judged and vernissaged as a mother.

ECCE MAMA 2010-2011

Garbage and polyurethane on masonite board.

10" x 10" each

 “Having a baby brings plenty of joy, but you may also feel a degree of anxiety. Mood swings and difficulties concentrating on tasks are common. Some women experience feelings of depression. You may find it hard to manage your time. Finding a moment to do something simple, such as taking a shower, may be challenging.”

UNTITLED

2010

Embroidery drawing on canvas.

8” x 6”, 20cm x 15 cm.

I'm late / For a very important date. / No time to say "Hello." / Goodbye. / I'm late, I'm late, I'm late.

Janine Antoni - Up Against at Luhring Augustine September/October 2009)

UNTITLED

2010

Archival Ink Jet print on Plexiglas

dimensions variable

"Towards thee I roll, thou all-destroying but unconquering whale; to the last I grapple with thee; from hell’s heart I stab at thee; for hate’s sake I spit my last breath at thee. Sink all coffins and all hearses to one common pool! and since neither can be mine, let me then tow to pieces, while still chasing thee, though tied to thee, thou damned whale! Thus, I give up the spear!"

- Moby Dick, Herman Melville

NOTES:

before language, in front of the root of the tongue, where the gasping intake of breath acknowledges the divine; breath, breathing, wind, breeze of the spirit, at its last gasp, dominating the wild d beating of the heart" (Michel Serres).

GUEST LIST: Excessive sleepiness, Dry, coarse hair, Constipation, Muscle cramps, Increased cholesterol levels, Decreased concentration, Vague aches and pains, Swelling of the legs ,Palpitations, Fatigue and lethargy, Increased sensitivity to cold , Pale, dry skin , Inflated face, Hoarse voice , An elevated blood cholesterol level, Unexplained weight gain - occurring infrequently and rarely more than 10 to 20 pounds, most of which is fluid, Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, especially in your shoulders and hips, Pain and stiffness in your joints and swelling in your knees or the small joints in your hands and feet , Muscle weakness, especially in your lower extremities , Depression, Protruding eyes , Physical slowness , Slow pulse, Increased menstrual flow, Neck discomfort, Periodic paralysis, Musculoskeletal symptoms, Rheumatoid arthritis, Facial swelling , Mania, Panic attacks, Bradycardia , Tachycardia, Reactive hypoglycemia, Migraines

Sarkozy 'bullied' Dati to return to work five days after giving birth

French President Nicholas Sarkozy is a 'bully' who forced his Justice Minister Rachida Dati's return to work only five days after giving birth claims his one-time presidential rival. Segolene Royal, who is a mother of four, has defended Dati's hasty resumption of her duties and denounced criticism from women's groups as 'indecent and unjust'. The Socialist politician claims Dati was put under 'extremely violent pressure' to return to her high-powered role or risk losing her job. The former French presidential candidate Segolene Royal (left) blames French President Nicholas Sarkozy for her country's Justice Minister, Rachida Dati (right), return to work five days after giving birth."