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A complete, resolved and conceptually clear show in Fitzroy

artists, spaces

7 December 2011

Mum's the Word is the latest exhibition by Melbourne-based artist Catherine Bell at Sutton Project Space in Fitzroy.

As soon as I walked into Sutton Project Space, I felt that I was back in New York City.

You could feel the streets of NYC, the air, the energy, and the hustle and bustle.

At first, the large pinned black and white photographs by Catherine Bell look to be mums with their children crossing the busy streets. On closer inspection you realise that these women do not belong to these babies and children. They are the hired help; they are the African American nannies that often go unmentioned and unrecognised.

"Bell builds on her longstanding interest in motherhood, surrogacy and deviant maternity, and also presents new ideas relating to the per formative nature of public space."

It's the first time in a long time that I've walked into a show at Sutton Project Space and felt the exhibition was complete, resolved and conceptually clear. The photographs are not technically outstanding; they don't need to be as Bell has produced a very tight and balanced show.

Sutton Project Space
230 Young Street, Fitzroy (view location on Google Maps)
Friday and Saturdays only, 1pm to 5pm
Until 17 December