Documentary Photographer Yvonne Maxwell’s Best Shot

Since welcoming my daughter into the world in early 2020, I have embarked on an introspective exploration into the theory and practice of motherhood; an unravelling of the tapestry of motherhood within the Black familial structure that birthed an ongoing project called ‘HEREDITARY’.

Pondering the influence of societal labels on our perceptions of self as mothers and daughters – I found myself drawing from personal experiences and the stories of countless others navigating the complexities of this dynamic, often challenging, yet undeniably beautiful connection. As a Black woman and mother, I am acutely aware of the weight carried by generations of mothers before me, and the profound influence it has on my own experience of motherhood.

The paths and decisions of our mothers’ mothers undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on our own journeys through motherhood, yet I believe we also possess the agency to craft distinct narratives separate from the legacies of the past. Moreover, societal labels exert a profound influence on our perceptions of self as both mothers and daughters: The intersectionality of race, gender, and class within the realm of motherhood shapes not only how we perceive ourselves but also how society perceives us. These external forces intricately mould our identities within the familial dynamic, impacting the delicate balances we navigate between nurture and independence, guidance and autonomy.

Through my artistic practice as a documentary photographer, I hope to explore the tapestry of emotions, experiences and complexities of the core narratives that define our experiences. This was the first photo I made for this project. I made this image following an in-depth, and at times, very tense conversation with my mum. In that moment I felt vulnerable, frustrated and emotionally stretched; and I wanted to capture that moment. As soon as my mum saw the camera she instinctively looked over, which was unintentional, hence why she is out of focus in the image. This photo serves as a visual testament to our own tumultuous narrative as mother and daughter – it is a freeze frame of our shared history, a reflection of our collective struggles, and a testament to the power of the individual ability to transcend and heal generational wounds.

Yvonne Maxwell is a Saint Lucian-Nigerian self-taught documentary photographer whose work explores issues surrounding migration, collective and individual memory, community and identity. More of her work can be found at yvonne-maxwell.com. In 2023, Yvonne was named a winner at the Portrait of Britain awards for this work.