Art and Advocacy: Ashley January’s Response to the Black Maternal Health Crisis

Postpartum Production

In this episode, we sit with contemporary artist Ashley January to discuss her powerful paintings inspired by maternal experiences. Ashley delves into themes of preeclampsia, premature birth, and birth trauma, shining a spotlight on the Black maternal mortality and morbidity crisis in America. Her art is not just a reflection of her personal journey but also an act of activism, aiming to bring awareness and change to the maternal health landscape.

In this episode, Kaitlin and Ashley discuss:

1. Art and Maternal Experience: Ashley shares how her journey through motherhood, including facing preeclampsia and premature birth, has profoundly influenced her artwork.
2. The Black Maternal Health Crisis: We explore the critical issues of Black maternal mortality and morbidity in America, and how Ashley's art addresses and brings visibility to these challenges.
3. Art in Clinical Spaces: The impact of Ashley’s work being featured in clinical settings like Tufts University's Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice and Roseland Community Hospital in Chicago.

More about Ashley:

• Ashley's Website - Explore Ashley’s portfolio and learn more about her upcoming exhibitions.
• Instagram: @ashleyjanart
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction: The painting of Ashley's Kaitlin has in her home
• Women's Caucus for Art - Learn about the organization that awarded Ashley the Emerging Artist Award.
• Tufts University's Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice - Discover the initiatives and Ashley's contributions to this center
• Expo Chicago - Find out more about the art expo where Ashley showcased her new series.
• Cynthia Corbett Gallery - Check out the gallery representing Ashley’s work

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