Zill, Madison (Art In Uncertain Times—X as Intersection Latinx Artists in Conversation Series)

 

The panel entitled “Art In Uncertain Times—X as Intersection Latinx Artists in Conversation Series,” I learned about the work of Elia Alba. Alba spoke about many of her creations, but the one that stood out to me the most was “Red Shoes.” Alba spoke about how this piece is about the connection between motherhood and labor. I have never really thought of connecting labor and motherhood. I knew that being a Mom is hard work, but I have never seen a piece of art that explored this relationship further. Alba shared that her mother worked in the garment industry and how the shoes are not representative of the babies, but of the mothers who worked to create the shoes. The shoes represent the laborers in the factory manufacturing shoes, but also the mothers who make booties for their children. This made me think about how labor-intensive motherhood is. After hearing Alba speak, I immediately called my Mom to thank her for all she has done for me. 

“Red shoes” made me think about the acts of care and labor my Mom has performed for my sister and me. For example, my Mom would get up extra early to pack my lunch box because she knew that I did not like the cafeteria lunch. I was more than capable of making a sandwich, but my Mom wanted to let me sleep. Further, my Mom always calls me in the morning no matter how busy she is. The morning calls mean so much to me because it shows that she is always thinking of me. My Mom makes me feel loved through her hard work. In the future, I hope that I am able to perform labors of love for my children so that they feel the same way my Mom makes me feel. 

 

“Red Shoes.” Elia Alba, https://www.eliaalba.net/past-project-photography/red-shoes.