Woman with Child in a Stroller 1985

Duane Hanson created this hyperrealistic sculpture of a woman with a child in a stroller, using polyester resin, fiberglass, and paint. Hanson’s work often reflects the everyday realities of working-class Americans, challenging conventional notions of beauty and heroism in art. Through his meticulous attention to detail, Hanson captures the woman’s physical appearance, clothing, and accessories. She reflects a specific socio-economic position. The sculpture offers a commentary on the representation of women, particularly mothers, in society. Hanson doesn't shy away from depicting her as tired, perhaps burdened, and far removed from idealized images. The sleeping child in the stroller adds another layer to this narrative, highlighting the often-overlooked labor and emotional demands of motherhood. Hanson prompts us to reflect on the societal expectations and pressures placed on women. The sculpture invites us to consider the complex intersections of gender, class, and motherhood in contemporary life.