Molly Gochman

Bronze, 4–6 ft and 10–15 ft

Monuments to Motherhood is a series of sculptures created by Molly Gochman, representing the artist's long-held vision to honor the enduring support provided by caregivers across generations. These large-scale outdoor sculptures invite viewers to immerse themselves in the tactile and interlaced forms, encouraging reflection and engagement with themes of labor, domesticity, care, community, and play.

The monumental series features oversized dome-like structures of varying sizes, ranging from 4 to 15 feet tall. Nestled in the ground, the sculptures display an intricate interplay of small and large openings, shaped by sinuous lengths of cast bronze that intertwine and undulate, creating negative space that transcends mere emptiness. Upon closer inspection, the elongated forms reveal a dynamic composition of amorphous loops layered upon each other suggesting closeness and interconnectedness. Each loop melds seamlessly with the others, supporting and resting upon one another, almost defying gravity. 

Evoking a playground or even symbolizing wombs, the architectural forms warmly invite visitors to step inside and touch the works. The sculptures offer an immersive experience where the artwork is not just held by others but also holds and supports, fostering reciprocal engagement between the participant, community, and the artwork.

The decision to employ bronze, a medium with deep historical resonance, goes beyond the typical purpose associated with monumental materials. Traditionally used to immortalize historical figures and events, bronze becomes a strategic choice to elevate universal narratives of labor and care that have historically been undervalued and invisibilized. By using a material linked to grandeur and permanence, Gochman creates enduring forms that symbolize and celebrate caregiving, a role and action that lacks a tangible shape but carries an impact that resonates universally. The selection of scale and material is intentional, chosen to honor, value and ratify the care and labor vital to nourishing and supporting life.

Gochman engages with, reclaims, and rearticulates the language and history of monuments. In doing so, she envisions these sculptures as sites of collective historical memory and physical points for people to gather. The hope is that these works will serve as catalysts for community engagement by fostering gatherings, discussions, and events centered around the significance and impact of caregiving. Additionally, as the sculptures age, their material and surface will capture and preserve traces of interactions, documenting unique histories of use and play over time.

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About the Artist

Molly Gochman is an artist and activist deeply engaged in social practice and focuses on activating spaces for profound collective experiences. Her practice encompasses a diverse range of mediums, including photography, sound, installation, and sculpture. Through these mediums, she often challenges and subverts conventional material boundaries to foster interaction, play, exploration, and meaningful dialogue. Molly frequently explores concepts encompassing human connection, environment, and community, rooted in the belief that life's experiences shape us. Guided by the concept that "life leathers us," her works not only aim to aesthetize but also reflect the passage of time through weather, wear, and change. Her practice continues to evolve with a desire to actively engage participants, inspire meaningful dialogues, find commonality, and discover shared human experiences. Originally from Texas, Molly is currently based in New York.

‍mollygochman.com