by Amy Spangler
April 23, 2007

Breastfeeding: Food for the Soul was the title of an art exhibition organized in 1995 by Anne Ruecker in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week. The exhibition was held in the medieval town of Landsberg on the Lech in southern Germany.

“In Europe you can find many examples of ‘Madonna Lactans’ (Mary Breastfeeding) in churches and museums,” says Anne, “but I thought it was important to portray images that women today can identify with.”

Anne believes that images of contemporary women breastfeeding provide positive reinforcement and convey the message that breastfeeding is natural and satisfying, if not always easy.

“Breastfeeding not only provides optimal physical nourishment for our babies, but its bonding power provides food for the soul,” says Anne. Hence the title of the exhibition.

In preparing for the exhibition, Ruecker was surprised that images of modern-day women breastfeeding were difficult to find. But fortunately, art (like breastfeeding) is also food for the soul. Inspired by Ruecker’s concept, professional artists and aspiring amateurs alike created 120 pieces of art—including paintings, photography, sculptures, dance, and poems.

Proceeds from the sale of the art were given to a breastfeeding advocacy organization in Germany. In the meantime, Ruecker was so inspired by the artists, she now represents a number of them in an effort to market their art. Interested in purchasing a piece? Email Anne directly at saycheese@zno.destillkunst.de.

I purchased my first piece of breastfeeding art from her while attending a conference in Germany and it still feeds my soul.