Maman
Bronze
1996

       A larger version of this bronze spider, 20 feet tall was shown at the opening of the Tate Modern Museum in London.
       It was said of her spider installation in Studio International, 'It might be surprising that this 89 years old sculptress be chosen for the opening: yet there are few sculptors today whose work could so dramatically fill the great void space it occupies, and yet so naturally. She has christened the space, and magnificently'
            Spiders have a special meaning for Bourgeois, signifying labor, giving protection, and foresight. The web is also an important element, threatening to entangle us as if we were prey. Bourgeois said, 'Domesticity is very important. I think it is overwhelming. It has to be practical, patient, and skilled.' An affectionate memory of motherhood is present in several sculptures.

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