M*Dres

M*dres is a series of silkscreen prints employing phrases in English and Spanish which contain the words mom/mother/madre. The work examines how gendered language reflects and structures our political and cultural attitudes towards women. Some are common phrases, some are swears, and some are backhanded compliments. In English, using the word “mom” as an adjective automatically devalues what follows, and what follows often has to do with appearance – mom jeans, mom body, mom haircut, etc. The Spanish phrases seem relatively harmless in literal translation, but in context, transform to vulgarities you probably wouldn’t use in the presence of your own mother.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.