Exploring the Waiting Room

In her latest exhibition, “The Waiting Room” (2025), artist Antonia Shower presents compelling imagery that intertwines themes of motherhood and existential contemplation. The work features a striking portrayal of a woman on a bed crafted from umbilical cords, her gaze downcast and her belly visibly swollen, suggesting the weight of maternal obligations. A newborn figure, symbolically rendered in chalky white, further enhances the piece’s emotional gravity.

A Diverse Emotional Landscape

Shower reflects on her artistic journey, stating, “I knew the story I wanted to share.” She emphasizes how painting transcends the limitations of language in conveying complex emotions. “There’s this kind of slippage that happens with words… we all had different experiences,” she explains. This insight highlights the unique ways individuals resonate with abstract concepts such as intimacy and anxiety.

Unveiling 5L (2024)

With her painting “5L” (2024), Shower engages in a process that evolves over time. Initially, she employs a technique of pouring oil paints onto a horizontal canvas. Once dried, she then lifts the canvas to an upright position, revealing unanticipated connections within the composition. What initially appeared as a table transitions into the form of a bed, fostering an environment rich in interpretations.

Shower notes, “And in this accidental play I found out that the same person is here,” referencing the orange paint that resonates with a similarly hued figure in her artwork. This interplay evokes the essence of energy, suggesting a deeper connection among the subjects of her paintings.

Legacy and Reflection

Shower’s work is heavily influenced by her maternal grandmother, an art history teacher who attended all of Shower’s exhibitions. The recent passing of her grandmother adds a layer of significance to her work, prompting reflections on life cycles. “When you’re facing it, it feels incredibly unusual, but in reality it’s a cycle of life and one of the most normal things,” she states, encapsulating the duality of creation and loss.