Today is Maternal Mental Health Day. May is HG Awareness Month. Enjoy this self-portrait from 2021.
“The 2026 international theme is “Believe Us.” For us, this means trusting patients when they say they are suffering and recognizing that Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a serious, life-altering illness, not just morning sickness. Listening and validating experiences leads to earlier care, better outcomes, and less isolation for those affected.” - the HER Foundation
#HGAM26 #BelieveUs @hgmoms
As this exhibition comes to a close, I just want to thank everyone who came out to see it. As an artist, mother, and HG survivor it has truly been so meaningful to be a part of this show. Being showcased alongside so many other artists who can relate to what I’ve been through and seeing how it comes through in their work has been very special.
“The Curse of the Blessing” on view through November 29.
@dnjgallery@hgmoms
“The Curse Of The Blessing”
Artist
Mackenzie King Howerton
Artist Statement
My work has always involved self-portraiture in some way or another. Through the challenges and blessings of becoming a mother, my work has evolved, focusing more on the nuances of motherhood. I battled the debilitating grip of Hyperemesis Gravidarum through 2 out of 3 of my full term pregnancies. Having had some time to process the physical and emotional suffering that I endured during those times, I have begun to try to look at the experience in a more purposeful way. I recognize parallels between my external struggle and the internal transformation happening inside me. As my body nurtured and transformed matter into new life, I too was changed, gradually reborn as a mother.
The cyanotype you see is crafted from my own hair— hair that I made the decision to cut during my most recent struggle with HG. After being unable to get out of bed for more than a few minutes for many weeks, my hair became a tangled reflection of my inner turmoil. A close friend came to my house and compassionately cut nearly 18 inches of my hair off in my kitchen, taking breaks to let me be sick, sometimes even holding the bowl for me. The images you see were created using a flatbed scanner and the amniotic sacs from my own placentas. The same amniotic sacs that housed my children in my body envelope me as I am immersed in the waters of motherhood, becoming saturated in the motions, soon to be born again not only as a mother, but a deeply changed individual.
now exhibiting through November 29 th
One week until the @angadartshotel 13th Biannual Exhibition where you can see my work “Cans” on display among artworks by 35 other artists around Saint Louis!
Opening Reception:
Tuesday, November 4th
5-8pm
Angad Arts Hotel, 12th floor
