Molly Gochman

Monuments to Motherhood is an ongoing series by artist and social practitioner Molly Gochman, created to honour the caregivers whose often-invisible work shapes and sustains our communities. Across its various installations, the series offers an alternative monument: one that uplifts the essential, everyday labour that holds society together. Gochman's sculptures, each a unique piece of art, are designed to stand apart from one another, celebrating their individuality.

Through gentle curves, open forms, and surfaces designed to change over time, each sculpture becomes a site for gathering, reflection, and interaction. As people touch, lean, rest, and move through these spaces, they leave subtle marks on the bronze, creating a living patina shaped by collective experience.

Each sculpture begins with armatures formed from repurposed household objects, bowls, cling film, aluminium foil—materials that echo the everyday, unseen nature of caregiving. Over these forms, the artist builds looping coils of epoxy clay, creating fluid, interconnected shapes reminiscent of bodies, shelter, and shared support.

These clay maquettes are then enlarged and cast in bronze, a material intentionally chosen for its durability, its cultural association with civic monuments, and its susceptibility to touch and environmental transformation. Participation is embedded in the work: the sculptures carry the imprints of the people who engage with them, evolving in colour and sheen over time.

The process involved design development, digital sculpting, and augmented reality (AR) review sessions for real-time adjustments. After the design was finalized the works were PMMA printed, lost-wax cast, and included expert finishing of the final bronze surface. Metal is porous and bronze is, by nature, reactive to its surroundings. The artist decided to embrace this natural process by applying a light patina, allowing the bronze surface to live and breathe, darkening over time. Gochman and her studio engaged closely with the artisans throughout, visiting the workshop, sharing homemade treats, and fostering personal connections that reflected the themes of collaboration and care inherent in the sculptures.

Installations

Medical District Park — Memphis, TN

Installed on a site once occupied by a contested monument, this iteration reclaims the space with a powerful, inclusive narrative. Three bronze sculptures—measuring 6'3" x 9'8", 5'6", and 3'11", collectively weighing nearly 1,400 lbs—invite touch, rest, and conversation. 

Grand Army Plaza — Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY

Standing 15 feet tall, the Brooklyn installation extends the series’ reach into one of the city’s most iconic civic spaces as part of NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program. Accompanied by a season of public programming—including family events and a Mother’s Day gathering—the sculpture prompts dialogue about motherhood, caregiving, and the stories we elevate in public life. The sculpture will remain at Prospect Park until May 2026.

“When hands and bronze meet, a magical alchemy occurs. The oils of our skin transform the metal in ways we cannot predict. A mutual connection grows. Touch these sculptures; let them embrace you. We are all both nurturers and recipients of care, a universal and essential human experience. You are a living monument to your ancestors, and these are monuments to you.” – Molly Gochman.

Gridley Chapel Lawn — Wassaic, NY

Working closely with Gochman, we transformed her initial model at 1:14 scale into a monumental work of public art. Wassaic Project features her work on the lawn of the Gridley Chapel where visitors can step inside and engage with the artwork.