Maman

2025-05-22

An article by Klara Gmiter

„Maman”, a project that has been with me for over two years. After my mother passed away, I started exploring her story, as well as the story of her mother. Even though I’m a mother myself, sadly without children of my own, I felt the need to share this story, our story, and let others be a part of it. To talk about it, exchange thoughts, reflect: Who are we? Who was our mother? Our grandmother? Where do our traumas come from? Where have they gone? Have we passed them on? Or changed them?

With my exhibition, I’m showing one perspective, hoping it will encourage others to look at their own stories.

The conversations I had with the women from Stolec were very enriching! Even though not everyone could openly talk about their childhood or their mother because it sometimes feels too personal, it was moving to share these moments and catch a glimpse of the stories behind their eyes.

When it comes to being a mother, though, everyone spoke freely and happily. From cooking to being a "helicopter mom," we exchanged ideas, laughed, and felt the wisdom each woman brought.

One of the things that really inspired me for the exhibition was creating a space where people could write a card to their own mother. I was able to watch a young daughter write to her mom: "I love you, mom," or see a card written to an ill mother, or sometimes just a sweet greeting…

The objects I’m showing in „Maman” evoke different feelings in everyone. Children are fascinated by my old toys, or ones that belonged to my grandmother. Grandmothers remember writing in similar notebooks when they were young. Others admire old cameras or a baby scale… It’s a bit like walking through the attic of a family you don’t know.

One of the women from Stolec gave me a Polish cookbook. She said she didn’t need it anymore because she knows the recipes by heart, and now I can learn from it. In my next installations, we’ll be tasting Polish specialties. So, in a way, this woman has become a "mom" to me too, passing something on. And that’s how it continues!

 

Picture by Klara Gmiter

http://klaragmiter.art/en/klara-en/