VILOMAH : Hidden Loss & Untold Futures / Perda Oculta e Futuros Não Falados

Deadline: 02/10/2024

City: Caminha  |  Country: Portugal  |  Alice Mary Williamson Jelaska

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VILOMAH: HIDDEN LOSS & UNTOLD FUTURES / PERDA OCULTA E FUTUROS NÃO FALADOS is an exhibition exploring pregnancy loss, baby loss & infertility. We are inviting creative responses to the emotional, social, cultural & political impacts of these experiences, and welcome contemporary works from a variety of disciplines – visual arts, sculpture, prose, poetry, video/film, recorded music/sound/spoken word, multi-sensory media.

VILOMAH: HIDDEN LOSS & UNTOLD FUTURES is an exhibition exploring pregnancy loss, baby loss & infertility. 

We are inviting creative responses to the emotional, social, cultural & political impacts of these experiences, and welcome works from a variety of disciplines – visual arts, sculpture, prose, poetry, video/film, recorded music/sound/spoken word, multi-sensory media.

The exhibition started in London in 2023 - we are very honoured to now bring it to Portugal to coincide with Baby Loss Awareness Week 2024.

About the curator: Alice Mary Jelaska is an artist, musician and writer who went through the loss of her baby son Georgi during pregnancy in early 2022, so the subject is close to her heart; sensitivity and compassion are at the core.

For this edition of ‘Vilomah’ she is collaborating with Elizabeth Monaghan - retreat owner and creative mindfulness guide living in Portugal.

Elizabeth went through a termination for medical reasons at 24 weeks with baby Forest. Art and community were integral to her recovery journey, leading her to connect with Alice and invite the exhibition to come to Portugal.

More about the exhibition:

The exhibition encompasses all forms of pregnancy/baby loss – infant loss, neonatal loss, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons, abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and medical & age-related infertility.  

These losses are often hidden away and experienced as a taboo subject, which can lead to a loss feeling minimised - bringing added hurt & pain.

As well as a creative & expressive outlet for a difficult subject, this exhibition aims to bring awareness and shed light on the reality of how these losses are experienced across society, culture & history.

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‘Vilomah’ [vee-lo-mah] is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘against the natural order’. Academic Karla FC Holloway first began to use the word to describe a parent who has lost a child; for there is no such word in the English language.

The loss is not only the loss of a child but also of imagined futures and family units; loss of celebrations and life experiences; loss of self through trauma, pain & grief; and in many cases, loss or erosion of relationships (partners, friends, family) through extreme change and emotional strain.

On top of the emotional impact on individuals, parents and families, there are many layers of societal, cultural, religious and political presumptions/pressures that heavily impact how people can process and share their experiences - bringing feelings of shame, guilt or failure.

This exhibition opens a channel for examining and sharing these difficult topics creatively, whilst also informing and making space for reflection for those attending – with or without lived experience.

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Deadline for submissions is Wednesday 2nd October 11.59 pm GMT. 

Due to the sensitive nature of the exhibition, if any artist wishes to participate without sharing their name publicly, please let us know in the submission form.

The Exhibition will take place in Casa Almeida, Caminha, Portugal.

It will be open from 9th-11th October inclusive. There will be a private view event on 9th October.

Important information:

For artists outside of Portugal, we encourage the submission of digital artwork, written work, films, and audio. 

Given the limited time between the deadline and the commencement of the exhibition, it appears more practical to submit your work electronically rather than in a physical format.

If you are outside of Portugal and have other media you wish to send, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss possible options.

Please note that we are unable to cover shipping costs.

Contact the curator
Who is eligible for this opportunity?
Everyone is eligible to apply.
When is the deadline?
2nd October 2024.
How many works can I submit?
Up to 5 works.
When is the delivery date?
Installation will take place on 8th October.
When do I need to collect my work?
From 12th October.
How much does it cost?
It is free to participate.
Is there a private view / opening?
Yes, on 9th October.

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