In this episode, we sit with contemporary artist Ashley January to discuss her powerful paintings inspired by maternal experiences. Ashley delves into themes of preeclampsia, premature birth, and birth trauma, shining a spotlight on the Black maternal mortality and morbidity crisis in America. Her art is not just a reflection of her personal journey but also an act of activism, aiming to bring awareness and change to the maternal health landscape.
In this episode, Kaitlin and Ashley discuss:
- Art and Maternal Experience: Ashley shares how her journey through motherhood, including facing preeclampsia and premature birth, has profoundly influenced her artwork.
- The Black Maternal Health Crisis: We explore the critical issues of Black maternal mortality and morbidity in America, and how Ashley's art addresses and brings visibility to these challenges.
- Art in Clinical Spaces: The impact of Ashley’s work being featured in clinical settings like Tufts University's Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice and Roseland Community Hospital in Chicago.
More about Ashley:
- Ashley's Website - Explore Ashley’s portfolio and learn more about her upcoming exhibitions.
- Instagram: @ashleyjanart
- Intrauterine Growth Restriction: The painting of Ashley's Kaitlin has in her home
- Women's Caucus for Art - Learn about the organization that awarded Ashley the Emerging Artist Award.
- Tufts University's Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice - Discover the initiatives and Ashley's contributions to this center
- Expo Chicago - Find out more about the art expo where Ashley showcased her new series.
- Cynthia Corbett Gallery - Check out the gallery representing Ashley’s work
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