A studio exploration of Sculptural images inspired by Breastfeeding

Abstract

Breasts are two protruding organs on the upper front of a woman's body that secrete milk after pregnancy. The act of breastfeeding has been defined as the normal way of providing young infants with nutrients they need for health growth and development. This research presents a studio exploration of possibilities of using the art of human breast feeding and the symbolisms associated to it as a source of inspiration in the creative development of sculptural art works. Therefore, the study focused on exploring studio possibilities of using sculpture as a means of communication to promote breastfeeding among mothers in Uganda. The researcher analyzed a selected art works by renowned artists on breastfeeding as well as the symbolisms surrounding the act in Uganda; the researcher derived themes, and created communicative sculptural art works inspired by the act of breast feeding. An exploratory research design was used. The population of this study involved Ugandan mothers either currently nurturing or who have nurtured children as well as secondary factors that have influenced their act of nurturing infants. A selection of these was sampled using random sampling techniques to collect relevant information that aided this study. Such information was collected using interviews, observation, documentary analysis and photography. Having carried out this research, it is hoped that the findings of the study would inspire the general public to have a positive attitude towards breast feeding. The findings added to the existing body of knowledge and it would act as a reference for the curriculum developers. The researcher recommended that: Sculptors need to do more research into other sources of inspiration that are based on the subject of motherhood. Government should encourage such initiatives if it is to attain its objective of empowering mothers/the girl child. Help society to understand the nature of the contribution, mothers render to this nation. In conclusion, Sculptural art works depicting breast feeding were designed in the studio and exhibited to the public. These were discussed in relation to the formulated objectives of the study.