Bianca Raffaella Moments Before, 2025

A seated pregnant figure appears in the centre, slightly to the left. The figure is made from powder blue, white and very pale grey, with soft pink and Pale Umber showing through underneath. The head is a loose rounded form near the upper centre. The torso folds inward, and broad blue and white marks gather around the stomach, making the rounded belly one of the clearest parts of the figure. The lower body becomes less distinct as it moves down the canvas, dissolving into soft vertical strokes and faint drips. The whole image feels pale and airy, but small flashes of blue give it a nervous energy.

I made this in the period just before my son was born. Everything felt slow and fast at the same time. My body was heavy and tired. I moved slowly. But the delivery date kept getting closer, and suddenly time seemed to be rushing.

I became very aware of the sounds and movements inside me. A hiccup. A gurgle. A shift in position.

I could feel him there, but there was still so much I didn’t know. Birth was approaching, and I had no idea what it would actually feel like.