Presented in partnership the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, the exhibition lays bare the hidden realities of pregnancy, motherhood and maternal mental health through portrait photography, still life and recorded testimony.  The Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) is a UK-wide charity and collaborative network united one vision: excellent mental health care for all mothers and birthing people.

Running from 7 July to 1 August 2026 at Photofusion in Brixton, the exhibition features intimate portraits and still life photographs created by Carolyn Mendelsohn in collaboration with ten women who have experienced a range of perinatal mental illnesses. Visitors will also be able to hear participants tell their stories in their own words through linked audio interviews.

This exhibition reveals the often-hidden realities of motherhood and maternal mental health through portrait photography, still life, and audio. Created by artist Carolyn Mendelsohn in collaboration with 10 women with lived experience. It invites us to look, listen and understand.

Perinatal mental illnesses affect as many as 1 in 4 women and birthing people, and 1 in 10 dads and non-birthing partners. Left untreated, they can be devastating and even deadly; with suicide persistently the leading cause of death between six weeks and a year after pregnancy in the UK. Yet with the right support at the right time, recovery is possible.

“I feel so honoured to have worked with these extraordinary women, who shared their stories with such honesty and courage. This commission gave me a rare chance, as an artist, to reflect on my own lived experience too. More than anything, I hope these portraits help open conversations, so others feel heard, supported, and know they’re not alone.”  Carolyn Mendelsohn

 With heartfelt thanks to the incredible women featured in this project;

Abi, Anna ,Catherine, Geeta, Karah, Laura, Laura-Rose, Natalie, Raiye, Tessa