This exhibition delves into the concept of the "hidden mother" in 19th-century portrait photography, a practice in which mothers or caretakers were often concealed behind props, curtains, or textiles to keep young children still during long exposure times. Though intended to be invisible, these figures often appear eerily present in the photographs, revealing the unacknowledged labor of caregiving in both visual and societal contexts.

Contemporary artist Sara VanDerBeek engages with this historical practice through a modern lens, using photography to create a dialogue between past and present. Her work responds to the anonymous presence of these hidden figures, emphasizing the medium's role as a bridge across time and as a tool for examining the blurred boundaries between the original and its reproduction. Through carefully composed imagery, VanDerBeek reimagines these themes with poetic sensitivity and visual restraint.

Addressing themes such as motherhood, labor, and grief, VanDerBeek’s work offers a reflective meditation on the collective memory of women whose presence has often been veiled—literally and metaphorically. Her contemporary interpretations not only honor the unseen efforts of women in the past but also draw attention to the emotional and physical labor that continues to shape our experiences today.