Maud van der Linden

Department: Man and Leisure
Website: maudvanderlinden.com

I Want One

What: ‘I Want One’ explores the feelings that you get when holding a baby. Are these about the child or about yourself?

Why: The wish to have a child can be very strong. But why? Maud van der Linden argues that the feelings generated by caring for babies often reflect parents’ own emotional needs.

How: Take a walk with one of these life-size dolls and see what that does to your emotions. Do they make you fit in? Love yourself more? Give meaning to your life? Carrying their weight and sensing their vulnerability is a way to unleash hidden feelings. But don’t worry, these kids can take it.

“Hold a baby and feel the emotions rise”