[Reading group] Artist-Mother Reading Group

We are pleased to invite you to a new weekly reading group focused on writing that explores experiences where mothering and art-making overlap. Through a selection of texts, including the work of Mary Kelly, Ghislaine Leung, and Carla Harryman, we will unpack and question some of the challenges faced by makers-turned-parents.

The Artist-Mother reading group was conceived for mothers who are artists, writers, dancers, etc. however we want to make space for other parents or individuals interested in the combination of care work and artistic practice. In each meeting we will concentrate on 2-3 excerpts from the reading list (provided below). We will read out loud, together and discuss as a group. Kids are very welcome—we will provide toys as well as drawing equipment, and the readings will be carried out in a manner that embraces interruption and multitasking. 

This reading group has been active since last year, hosted in a private setting by Hrefna Hörn and Amanda Ramona. It began as an initiative for Brussels-based artist-mothers to gather and reflect on their practices as makers and care-givers. 

Practical Info

All sessions will take place in our bookshop at Rue des Commerçants 62 between 11am and 13pm on Sundays. If you're coming with kids, feel invited to arrive early to have enough time to settle in. We have a bathroom equipped with a changing station.

We can host up to 15 people per session. To sing up, send an email to: team@rile.space Please indicate in the email which dates you'd like to join for. 

Reading schedule

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6/09
Reading from Post Partum Document by Mary Kelly, Winnicott, D.W., Bosses by Ghislaine Leung

13/09
Reading from The Baby on the Fire Escape by Julie Philips, Art Monsters by Lauren Elkin

20/09
Reading from Ruth Asawa and the Artist-Mother at Midcentury by Jordan Troeller and Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff

27/09
Reading from Baby by Carla Harryman, Bloodchild by Octavia E. Butler, Unbidden Tongues #9: Potty Mouth by Violet Bartley

All texts will be provided during the session in booklet form—no prior reading required.
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For any questions, feel free to reach out to: team@rile.space
Excited to welcome you in September!