Artist creates exhibition on traumatic births

Phoebe Wingrove, an artist from Brighton, East Sussex, has launched a thought-provoking exhibition that aims to shed light on the often-overlooked experiences of women who go through traumatic births. Her exhibition, titled 'In the Dark: Birth,' is currently on display at Jules Emporium in Brighton and will be available for viewing until October 27 as part of the Photo Fringe event. Phoebe hopes that her photography will not only raise awareness about women's health issues but also create safe spaces for important conversations about these experiences. The exhibition features a series of abstract photographs that capture the intense emotions surrounding a woman's experience during a vaginal sweep, a procedure performed by midwives to help induce labor. It also addresses the serious condition known as uterine atony, which occurs when the uterus fails to contract effectively after childbirth, leading to potentially life-threatening blood loss. Phoebe's journey into this artistic exploration began in 2021 when she was diagnosed with HPV. This diagnosis opened her eyes to the widespread lack of knowledge and understanding surrounding women's health issues. She expressed her desire for viewers to connect with the fear and anxiety that many women, including her friend, have experienced during childbirth. The exhibition showcases 15 striking abstract images, predominantly in shades of green and black. One particular photograph depicts a woman's knees and feet, with her body taking on a green hue against a dark background. Phoebe explained that the choice of green symbolizes the moment her friend described when her waters broke after being induced. The woman who inspired this artwork, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared her feelings of helplessness during the birth of her daughter in 2019. She reflected on her experience working with Phoebe, stating that it has been a cathartic process, allowing her to confront and express emotions that had resurfaced. The exhibition also includes a triptych of three images that provide abstract views of a woman's body, with the central image being the most distinct, featuring a woman's face gazing up at the camera. Kim Thomas, the chief executive of the Birth Trauma Association, highlighted the alarming statistic that approximately 30,000 women in the UK develop postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder each year after giving birth. She emphasized that the emotional toll of childbirth can lead to flashbacks and intense anxiety, making the early days of motherhood particularly challenging. Kim expressed her appreciation for Phoebe Wingrove's exhibition, noting that it draws attention to the emotional and physical challenges that many women face during and after childbirth.