Tair Almor

This piece draws inspiration from Rachel Cusk's book 'A Life's Work,' reflecting her labor-related fears and anxieties.

"All I knew, looking at my narrow, recessless body, was that one day another body would come out of it, although it was not clear how or from where. As I understood it I was not to be fitted with some kind of extraction device at a later date. This same body held the promise of a future violence, like a Mexican pinata doll full of sweets."

This project explores the intricate relationship between the terms "Labour" and "Reproduction" within the realms of motherhood, pottery, and crafts. It delves into the profound impact of these concepts on the creation of ceramics, with a specific focus on the invaluable role played by female potters.

Moreover, the project draws inspiration from the Jewish folklore myth of the Golem, which traces its origins back to clay. This mythological narrative serves to enrich our understanding of the fundamental essence of life itself. Through various artistic and literary expressions, the project aims to delve deeper into the profound significance of motherhood, craftsmanship, and the act of creation.

This pregnancy test draws inspiration from ancient fertility goddesses, symbolizing hope and prayers for fertility. Wheat, a universal fertility symbol found in various mythologies and cultures, including Judaism. The object transforms during the test, It turns a stressful wait into a beautiful moment regardless of the desired outcome, whether as a souvenir or for sharing on social media.

I dedicate this object to my good friend Maria, and for her journey towards becoming a mother

During this performance I walked throughout the gallery while wearing a cardboard ballot that resembles a pregnant belly. I handed out vote slips and asked participants to vote whether they think I should have kids or not. The performance ended with a vote count, where it was decided that I should have kids. (Most of the votes said “Yes”).

These 'Should I Have Kids?' AR filters were intended to infuse humors into the narrative. By juxtaposing a weighty decision with the lightheartedness associated with social media and filters, it emphasizes the contrasting nature of the choice. While acknowledging that this is not a decision to be made lightly, the filters playfully engage with the medium and highlight the unique dynamics of decision-making in the digital age.

These objects draw inspiration from anatomical illustrations of female reproductive organs found in the book "The Short History of Anatomy & Physiology from Greeks to Harvey." While these drawings may have been regarded as medical research in their time, they now appear speculative and comical upon closer examination. These fabricated organs, born out of men's imaginations and beliefs, possess an almost artistic and expressive quality. Through the transformation of these illustrations into tangible objects, we provoke contemplation on the biased and limited perspectives of historical research, encouraging a challenge to false narratives.

Furthermore, the choice of a clay-like material for this artwork is influenced by a reference in the same book. In Roman times, terracotta figurines resembling ovaries were interred alongside childless women as offerings to the gods. This work aims to reclaim the female body as a subject of truth and complexity, aiming to dismantle the illusions and deceptions that have persistently plagued the representation of women, even in contemporary times.

Seeking for answers, I ventured online to find a community that could empathise with my predicament. That's when I stumbled upon the Reddit group known as "fence sitters," a space dedicated to discussions on the topic of having children. To delve deeper, I employed a sentiment analysis tool to identify frequently used word combinations and gauge their positive or negative connotations. The results, albeit amusing, reflect the somewhat superficial and one-dimensional nature of the algorithm

Recognizing the presence of discussions on Reddit and their relevance beyond the platform, I took the initiative to establish an offline counterpart known as the "Fence Sitters Club." Admission to the club requires acquiring a tattoo that symbolises one's identity as a fence sitter, accompanied by an explanation of personal reasons for adopting this stance. Through regular gatherings, barbecues, and the availability of club merchandise, the aim is to foster a sense of camaraderie, ensuring individuals facing doubts find solace in the knowledge that they are not alone. While parents are welcomed, their membership is contingent upon an ongoing questioning of their parental decision or a willingness to engage openly in discussions surrounding any regrets they may harbour.