The Birth Project

In 1985, inspired by the lack of what the artist considered "a universal human experience and one that is central to women’s lives", Judy Chicago set about creating a series of units about parenthood and birth. 

Working across continents and with many needleworkers, 80 units - worked images and texts - were created using applique, embroidery, crochet, paint and so on. These images and texts went on a tour that ended in 1987, following which artworks were gifted to institutions through the owner of the works: Through the Flower. 

To learn more about the ideas behind this creation head over to Through the Flower where you can read about the pieces, read reviews and see images. There is also a document of all the individual panels along with their whereabouts. New Zealand's contribution is in the University of Christchurch Macmillan Brown Library/ Kaa Kohika o Macmillan Brown.