Aftermath
Brain scans, EcoResin, transparency film, wood
3ft L x 1ft W x 4ft H
2024

Aftermath explores an often overlooked aspect of the postpartum experience: depression among new mothers. It affects more than 1 in 7 women within a year of childbirth, and if untreated, can persist for months or become chronic. Mothers may resort to substance use to cope, encounter difficulties in bonding with their infants, and face other elevated risks. Despite these serious consequences, postpartum depression remains underfunded and understudied.

In this series, I used appropriated medical brain scans and mixed media to depict my personal experience with postpartum depression and that of other women. I had to wait seven months to access therapy from a specialist in maternal mental health. This body of work highlights the need for better treatment options and improved medical care for postpartum women.