Art project explores the hidden struggles of motherhood

DEAL artist Deirdre Kashdan is planning two major events as part of The Missing Project, her participatory work for women affected by loved ones' mental illness or addiction.

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The project was inspired by Victorian “hidden mother photography”, in which mothers would be draped and obscured in the background while holding their child long enough for their picture to be taken.

As the mother of a man who has suffered from an enduring mental illness for 27 years, Deirdre identified strongly with these images - having provided essential support for such a long time, while remaining not only hidden from her loved one, but excluded from the conversations had my medical and social services.