• Work
  • Bio
  • CV
  • Contact

Heather Olker

  • Work
  • Bio
  • CV
  • Contact

Matrescence, 2021-2023 (in progress)

The project provides an intimate narrative around the hardship, loss of agency, and disorientation experienced during matrescense. I turned the camera on myself as a way to document, understand, and remember the visceral physiological and mental evolution of the self before, during, and after the motherhood transition. Employing self-portraiture and documentary photography, the project elicits an understanding of the intensity involved in the liminal state of “pregnancy” and beyond. Through inclusion of body fragments and abject imagery, in the form of blood, bodily fluids, and the placenta, we may more easily engage in a supportive discourse around matrescense.

Heather Olker_Matrescense-1.jpg
Heather Olker_Matrescense-2.jpg
Heather Olker_Matrescense-3.jpg
Heather Olker_Matrescense-4.jpg
Heather Olker_Matrescense-5.jpg
Heather Olker_Matrescense-6.jpg
Heather Olker_Matrescense-7.jpg
Heather Olker_Matrescense-8.jpg
Heather Olker_Matrescense-9.jpg
Heather Olker_Matrescense-10.jpg
Heather Olker_Matrescense-11.jpg
Heather Olker_Matrescense-12.jpg
Heather Olker_Matrescense-13.jpg

All Artwork © Heather Olker 2025 | Interdisciplinary Artist in Northbrook | Multimedia Artist in Chicago | Mixed Media Artist in Chicago | Artist in New York | Artist in Chicago