Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam Features Hady Barry's Intimate Photo Series 'i am (not) your mother'
Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam is highlighting the compelling work of Hady Barry, titled "i am (not) your mother." This deeply personal photographic series delves into the intricate dynamics of family bonds, drawing inspiration from Barry's own life experiences. The project thoughtfully combines archival family images with new documentary photographs, alongside journal entries and excerpts from conversations with her mother, creating a poignant narrative of both affection and struggle.
Barry's work has been recognized as part of Foam Talent, an initiative by Foam that showcases emerging photographic artists. Her series offers a tender and often heartbreaking portrayal of a relationship shaped by significant life events and the passage of time.
A Personal Journey Reflected in Art
The foundation of "i am (not) your mother" stems from a pivotal period in Barry's life. After her family fled Côte d’Ivoire in 2002 due to civil conflict, they settled in Senegal. Barry's mother later moved to the United States to seek asylum, leaving thirteen-year-old Hady to care for herself and her three younger siblings for three years until their reunion. This profound experience of early responsibility and separation forms the emotional core of her artistic exploration.
Through her lens, Barry contrasts portraits of herself and her mother with soft-focus images of plants, symbolizing resilience and the continuous cycle of growth. The series encourages viewers to engage with the complexities of family without seeking easy answers, emphasizing that life's journey is a process of moving forward, together.
About the Artist: Hady Barry
Hady Barry is a Guinean-American artist who utilizes photography and words to explore themes of memory and intimacy. Her artistic practice is introspective, driven by a desire to confront and hold onto experiences that many might prefer to forget. Barry's distinguished career includes being a Building Beyond Fellow and a shortlisted artist for the Grand Prix Images Vevey 2025/2026. Her debut photobook, also titled "i am (not) your mother," received a Juror's Special Mention at the 2024 Aperture Photobook Awards. Her work has garnered international recognition, with exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the National Portrait Gallery in the UK and the Sharjah Art Foundation in the UAE.
The insights into Barry's work were originally presented in Foam Magazine #68: Talent, with accompanying text by Isabel Walter, an Assistant Curator at Foam and Editorial Assistant at Foam Magazine.
Visitors to Foam Fotografiemuseum in Amsterdam can engage with Hady Barry's powerful storytelling through her exhibition. To discover more about contemporary photography and other cultural experiences in the city, explore Musemap (musemap.art) for other museums in Amsterdam or check out what's currently on.
