Mommy Dearest: A Reflections on Womanhood and Growth
 
Wire, spray paint, imagination 
(30x80 inches) 
(2020) 
 
Exploring the Intersection of Art, Pain, and Beauty 
 
Inspired by the iconic 1981 film *Mommy Dearest* and its unforgettable “No wire hangers!” scene, Pandwe’s 2020 creation titled “Mommy Dearest” unfolds as a powerful reflection on womanhood—particularly Black womanhood—and the cycles of pain, growth, and beauty. Made in Pahoa, Hawaii, during her time studying with Michael Marshall, a renowned artist andprofessor at the University of Hawaii, the piece is deeply rooted in the sociopolitical context of its time. This was a year marked by heightened civil discussions around reparations, police brutality, and the historic election of the first Black woman Vice President in the United States.
 
The Artwork 
 
“Mommy Dearest” takes the form of wire wall art, a medium resonant with its thematic exploration of tension and resilience. The choice of wire, evocative of both fragility and strength, mirrors the complex dynamics within mother-daughter relationships. Pandwe’s use of this material pays homage to the famous scene in *Mommy Dearest*, where Joan Crawford chastises her adopted daughter for using wire hangers—a visceral moment that symbolizes order, discipline, and strained affection. 
 
The artist’s deliberate manipulation of wire evokes a playfulness juxtaposed against the sharp undercurrents of pain and abuse. In its visual presentation, “Mommy Dearest” embodies a raw and poignant tension, while also allowing space for beauty to emerge—distorted yet transformative. 
Setting and Creation 
The piece was conceived in the lush environment of Pahoa, Hawaii, a place of both natural serenity and volcanic dynamism. During this period, Pandwe engaged deeply with Michael Marshall, whose guidance influenced the artwork’s narrative and technical depth. This was also a time of great societal discourse in the United States, including debates around racial justice and equity. These discussions inevitably seeped into the creative process, enriching the thematic layers of “Mommy Dearest.” 
 
Thematic Exploration 
Womanhood and Black Womanhood 
At its core, “Mommy Dearest” serves as a meditation on the journey from girlhood to womanhood, with a particular focus on Black womanhood. It reflects the unique trials and triumphs faced by Black women, who often navigate intersecting oppressions while striving for individuality and empowerment. Through the tensions of discipline, order, and love, the piece invites viewers to consider the ways in which abuse and societal pressures mold, and sometimes distort, the experiences of growth and identity. 
Pandwe’s upbringing in a household rooted in military discipline—where the mantra “spare the rod, spoil the child” was strictly adhered to—adds a deeply personal dimension to the work. This duality of structure and tenderness, of pain and resilience, permeates the narrative of “Mommy Dearest.” 
Tension and Love 
The artwork delves into the multifaceted relationship between mothers and daughters, examining how love can coexist with tension. Pandwe’s portrayal reveals the complex dynamics of affection, expectation, and conflict that often characterize these relationships. Through the rawness of wire as a medium, the piece captures the intricate push and pull of emotional bonds—both nurturing and challenging. 
Historical and Cultural Context 
“Mommy Dearest” is not only a personal exploration but also a cultural one. Created during a period of significant racial reckoning, the work serves as a commentary on systemic inequities, the resilience of Black communities, and the evolving role of women in leadership and representation. The election of the first Black and Indian woman Vice President in the United States marked a watershed moment that imbued the piece with a sense of collective pride and hope. 
 
Interpretation 
Abuse and Beauty 
A central theme of “Mommy Dearest” is the transformative power of pain. Pandwe’s work suggests that through abuse and hardship, beauty can emerge—a concept that resonates deeply within the context of womanhood. The piece challenges traditional notions of aesthetics, presenting beauty not as pristine perfection but as something forged through struggle and resilience. 
Playfulness and Reflection 
Despite its heavy themes, “Mommy Dearest” does not shy away from moments of playfulness. Pandwe’s intricate wire formations invite viewers to engage with the work on a tactile and emotional level, allowing their reflections to dance on the surface of the piece. This interplay of light and shadow symbolizes the duality of experiences that shape womanhood and identity. 
 
Conclusion 
 
“Mommy Dearest” stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to encapsulate complex narratives of pain, love, growth, and resilience. In honoring the story of Black womanhood—from disciplined girlhoods to empowered adulthoods—the piece transcends its medium to become a poignant exploration of humanity itself. Amid the cultural and historical backdrop of 2020, Pandwe’s creation invites viewers to reflect not only on personal relationships but on broader societal dynamics, elevating the work to a timeless statement of hope and transformation.