Event Description

Lucy Jones, author of Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood, joins virtually for a live panel discussion exploring the physical, psychological and social transformation of becoming a mother.

Her book has helped bring the concept into wider public conversation, drawing together research, personal experience and cultural reflection to consider how motherhood changes the body, mind and sense of self.

Curated by Helena Hamilton, creator of Becoming, in partnership with Belfast International Arts Festival, the event will bring Lucy Jones into conversation with a specialist working in maternal and perinatal health, bringing cultural, psychological and scientific perspectives to the often overlooked realities of early motherhood.

The panel forms part of the wider public programme around Becoming, Hamilton’s immersive artwork created in collaboration with Janie Doherty and Aisling McGeown, running as part of BIAF from 22-25 October. Rooted in the lived experiences of Helena Hamilton, Janie Doherty and Aisling McGeown, and informed by qualitative research with mothers across generations, explores matrescence through spatial sound, haptics, moving image and first-person spoken material. The event will also include poetry by Aisling McGeown and selected listening elements drawn from the artwork’s research and development.