Lockdown Hair, Who Cares?

This piece is about the increased caring responsibilities assumed by women, especially mothers, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on my own experience as a new mother of two during this time (one born just three days before the original lockdown), and the extra care burdens assumed by the wider mothering community, these mobile phone snaps capture some of the new normalities of everyday life whilst isolated with small children.

It uses “hair” as a metaphor for such wearing and caring rituals (as a nod to the triviality of the ‘lockdown hair’ many had when hairdressers closed), paralleled with various caring idioms, the series reflects on the changing messages about how to protect ourselves and others during the three UK lockdowns. From social distancing guidelines with family and friends, to rules about care bubbles and schools, the prolonged pressure on mothers has been immense and much heeded sentiments of ‘taking care’ have never meant so much.

This triptych has been purchased as part of the permanent Twenty Twenty collection at New Art Gallery Walsall