‘Working not Working’ brings the unique temporality  of the imaginative and emotional work that goes in to raising a child, into the gallery.  This 10-minute video, sits between staged photographic portrait, and ethnographic film expresses both maternal love, and maternal ambivalence and shares a woman's thoughts about her shifting sense of identity and her relationship to her child. The film closes as the child imitates his mother, attempting to feed her, making connections between breastfeeding, the mouth, and the origins of language in the pre natal and the maternal body through the negotiation of absence and presence. This gesture opens up questions around breastfeeding, the mouth and the origins of language, connecting the maternal body with the negotiation of presence and absence.

‘When Claire asked me if I wanted to make a film with her about my baby and me, I was honoured. It made me feel special and seen – and that what me and Cassim were doing together on the long drawn out days at home was interesting to someone. I knew these days would pass – and the idea of having a document I would be able to look back on felt good. Having the camera pointed at me felt different though. I  had done an infant observation as part of my counselling training, and as soon as the camera was on, I realized  I was worried about being judged. I was acutely aware of all mine and Cassim’s movements and interactions – would this make me look like a good mum or not? Claire is someone I feel completely comfortable with – but there is something about motherhood that shines a new spotlight on us. Now Cassim is 2, I love having the film, and I love watching it. It reminds me of the closeness of those early months, and I feel lucky to have a record of it.' 

For screenings please contact UAL Archives: archive-enquiries@arts.ac.uk