RSA Banenr
Babble, digital painting, 2360 × 1640px, 2024

Abigail tovar

Art and Philosophy

I am an American Art and Philosophy student at the University of Reading. My artistic practice focuses on exploring the nuances of the ever evolving relationships between mothers and daughters across media. Mothers are often depicted as self-sacrificing saints, while daughters are portrayed as rebellious figures. My work delves into this nuance, recognizing the emotional complexities, shifting power dynamics, and the humanization of both roles.

I examine different aspects of the maternal relationship by creating short mixed-media videos that incorporate home videos, photographs, digital drawings, animations, sound, and text. I begin my creative process by reviewing old home videos and writing poetry, which serves as a through-line throughout my pieces, helping me maintain a connection to the core message while integrating other elements. I hope to move my audience through the creation of shared intimacy, allowing my audience to relate to my piece.

For example, in my degree show piece, “Best Seasons,” I convey a mother’s intricate love for a baby, mirrored by the daughter’s love for her elderly mother. In this work, I use the apple as a metaphor to explore intimacy, loss, and care themes. Through this metaphor, I invite viewers to reflect on the profound connections that define our relationships and the complexities inherent in the cycles of love and caregiving.

Toddle, digital painting, 2360 × 1640px, 2025
Eating Apple Raw Frames, digital painting, 2360 × 1640px, 2025
Apple Pie, digital painting, 2360 × 1640px, 2025

Reading School of Art