Capturing the Strength of Mentor Mothers: A Visual Diary by Cameron Ugbodu

In autumn last year, Dazed commissioned the Austrian-Nigerian artist, Cameron Ugbodu, to create a piece inspired by the impactful work of mothers2mothers. The result was a stunning art piece titled Sprout, which beautifully captures the strength, beauty, and resilience of the Mentor Mothers of m2m. In a visual diary commissioned by Dazed, we gain a sneak peek into Ugbodu’s process and the emotional impact of his work.

Cameron Ugbodu, a self-taught visual artist, has dedicated his recent years to representation, exploring themes of Blackness, queerness, and masculinity through his work in photography, painting, film, mixed media, and curation. Born in Austria to a Nigerian father and an Austrian mother, Ugbodu’s upbringing in a small town where his family was the only Black presence inspired his mission to imagine a world that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

m2m is an organization that empowers women living with HIV as community health workers in ten African countries. These Mentor Mothers provide vital health services and education to their communities, reaching over 15 million people with critical care. Ugbodu’s portraits of these remarkable women were transformed into the artwork Sprout, symbolizing unity and teamwork among the Mentor Mothers.

The artwork was showcased at The Inaugural Mothers’ Ball in November last year, hosted at the prestigious V&A South Kensington in London. The event, attended by influential figures like Sabrina Elba, Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley, and June Sarpong, aimed to raise funds to support and empower m2m Mentor Mothers. The emotional impact of Ugbodu’s artwork was felt by Babalwa Mbono, one of the mothers depicted in the piece, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Ugbodu’s art not only captures the essence of the Mentor Mothers but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting and uplifting marginalized communities. Through his work, Ugbodu continues to inspire and advocate for representation, diversity, and empowerment.