Designing Motherhood: The Baby Bump – From Concealed to Celebrated

On social media, we constantly see celebratory pregnancy announcements from both celebrities and friends—often with a focus on a round baby bump, proudly highlighted by a maternal hand. From professionally taken photos in flower fields to full video productions, sometimes involving directors and entire teams. How did the baby bump go from being hidden to being showcased on the red carpet? And what happens to the bump’s status once the baby is born?

In this conversation, we explore the changing status of the baby bump and how it has been portrayed over time, together with cultural journalist and podcaster Samanda Ekman and art historian Veronica Hejdelind.
The discussion will be moderated by artist and host Kakan Hermansson.

This program series is presented in collaboration between ArkDes and Stockholms Kvinnohistoriska ↗ and is inspired by the Designing Motherhood exhibition, on view at ArkDes until August 31, 2025.