Maman | Charles Jencks

When one thinks of spiders thoughts of creepiness and phobia come to mind- the late American French artist; Louise Bourgeois  has challenged this notion in her 1999 sculpture. The maman; French for mother, is a tribute to the artist’s late mother, Bourgeois explains,

Courtesy of Charles Jencks

“The Spider is an ode to my mother. She was my best friend. Like a spider, my mother was a weaver. My family was in the business of tapestry restoration, and my mother was in charge of the workshop. Like spiders, my mother was very clever. Spiders are friendly presences that eat mosquitoes.

Courtesy of Charles Jencks

We know that mosquitoes spread diseases and are therefore unwanted. So, spiders are helpful and protective, just like my mother.”

Courtesy of Charles Jencks

The installation has been on display all over the world since 1999 it is now currently on display in the National Gallery of Canada.