Unborn

addresses the sensitivity of reproductive choice in an absurd but openly vulnerable manner informed by both societal expectations and biological determinism.

Unborn, 2021-2022
single channel video installation, 05:00 min.
looped HD monitor or projection, stereo sound system, carpet, painted walls, including ‘Human-sized Nest’ sculpture, 220x220 cm consisting of cardboard, closed loop styrofoam, MDF
Unborn was co-commissioned by Wroclaw Contemporary Museum in Poland, Mondriaan Fund in Amsterdam, Birth Rites Collection and the London Science Gallery, UK.

Unborn was nominated for the Feminist Art Prize in 2022, IKOB Museum, Belgium.
Forthcoming: 2026, Duo, See Our Vision Gallery, Berlin, Germany
Past:
2024, Animal Farm, Papier Biennial, Museum Rijswijk, Netherlands
2021, Wroclaw Museum of Contemporary Art, Poland,
2022, IKOB Museum, Feminist Art Prize, Eupen, Belgium
2022, Art Antwerp, with Durst Britt Mayhew, Belgium
2022, MU Hybrid Art House, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
2024, Paper Biënnale: Animal Farm, Museum Rijswijk, NL

Unborn is a seemingly cheerful but also poignant allegory that denounces the current climate in which politicians continue to block or even roll back abortion rights. Unborn is especially poignant in this current climate where politicians worldwide have redoubled their efforts to control women’s bodies and futures and abortion rights are once again at the forefront of feminist activism. Verkade’s installation, including her ‘Monster Egg’, reminds us of the importance of bodily autonomy, while openly reflecting on complex feelings of doubt, guilt, shame and vulnerability.

The lead character of the film, embodied by Verkade dressed as a human-sized pigeon, grapples with possible parenthood and reproductive rights issues. We follow the confused pigeon as she is in the process of building her nest. Collecting sticks and branches, she ponders prospective parenthood. Is she building a nest because she wants to, or just because that is what pigeons are supposed to do? Her doubts and confusions quickly drag her into an absurd parallel world in which she’s haunted by an evil crow and confronted with her peers’ expectations.