‘Hidden Mothers’ Public art project by Tereza Buskova

'Hidden Mothers' is a public art project by Czech artist Tereza Buskova that is inspired by the cultural customs of Great Britain, Central and Eastern Europe. Its focus is the empowerment of women, in particular mothers, who experience isolation and routinely face stigma in the UK. 'Hidden Mothers' began in Birmingham in 2019 with workshops inviting migrant mothers to take part.

The project was paused in 2020 - due to the pandemic - and is just beginning to emerge again in summer 2021. It is a project in three parts, consisting of workshops, a procession, and culminating in the installation of a large-scale replica of a Slovak inspired cottage façade produced by Studio Polpo – a tangible representation of home and togetherness. Adopting a ritualistic approach, the final panels of the construction will be carried and assembled by the participants of a ceremonial procession.

This project aims to encourage community engagement through collaborative design, to stimulate transcultural conversations, and to link people who would not otherwise have access to art resources.

The project is presented in association with Every Woman Biennial.

PERFORMANCE
'Ritual of Homecoming' on Sunday 4th July, from 2pm till 3pm

Copeland gallery, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Road, Peckham, London SE15 3SN
Family friendly / outdoor activity / free to attend, but booking is essential as the event is limited to 30 participants. Please book your place here: https://calendly.com/hiddenmothers2021/performance

The workshops will culminate in a procession which concludes with the installation of a large-scale replica of a Slovak inspired cottage façade, produced by Studio Polpo – a tangible representation of home and togetherness. This ceremonial procession will be led by Mokosh (performed by Zoe Simon) also known as Great Mother, who is the Slavic god of female endeavours and offers protection to women and children. Mokosh is associated with destiny and faith, particularly with the destiny of women. The cottage will be blessed, and remaining symbols of protection will be hand-painted on the façade. Karolina Wegrzyn, who draws her inspiration from the archaic sounds of the villages of Eastern Europe, will be using the technique of white voice to enchant the audience with folklore.

PROJECT SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS:
Arts Council England, Studio Polpo, Every Woman Biennial, Copeland Gallery, Time Assist, Czech Centre London, University of Birmingham and Use-It, Mothership Projects, British Red Cross, E5 Bakehouse, E5 Poplar Union, Poplar Union, Okenko CIC, Dance group Kvitek (Okenko), Czech and Slovak Club Birmingham, Mariana Novotna, Zoe Simon, Stifani Brothers, Chris Keenan (Prime Objective), Karolina Wegrzyn, Tina Francis and Tereza Porybna.