Madeleine Morlet joined Studio Monde for a five-day residency to begin work on a new zine exploring motherhood. We spoke with her about creative risks, community, and how the structure of the residency shaped the final outcome.

How did the residency shape the direction of your project?
When I applied for the residency, a creative director, Vanessa Pizzichini, had recently approached me with a concept for a zine about motherhood. The idea was in the very early stages of development. I saw the residency as an opportunity to create the first editorial for the zine. The structure of the residency itself – two studio days and three days in the colour lab – provided a framework for the ambition and scope of what could be made. In this way, the work wouldn’t exist in its current form without the residency."

What was the most meaningful part of the experience?
The most meaningful aspect of the residency was being in community with the photographers and creatives at Studio Monde and Art Lab 318. The work environment is supportive in every possible way. The vibe is really excellent.

What is the core idea behind the work you created during your time here?
The core idea behind the project I worked on during the Studio Monde Residency was to make a statement about motherhood and its place within contemporary visual culture. I aimed to portray its lesser-seen sides – chic, subversive, tongue-in-cheek."

Did you take any creative risks while developing the work?
In terms of subject matter, subverting imagery around motherhood – specifically incorporating visceral undertones – can feel complex. In terms of execution, pairing the studio work (shot digitally) with the location work (shot on film) was a creative risk.

Is there an image from the series that stands out for you?
There’s one image I’m especially drawn to: a portrait of a mother, Leonie, breastfeeding her toddler, Plum. Breastfeeding images with toddlers are rare – most depict babies. Leonie is styled in a way that further challenges our expectations of motherhood, making the image both intimate and striking.

What’s next for the work?
The work will be published and released in Spring 2026, accompanied by a launch party for the zine.

Has the residency changed anything about how you approach your practice?
The residency has highlighted the importance of community in my practice. Printing in the lab was especially inspiring, it marked a significant shift in how I think about output and presentation. I plan to continue exploring this direction.

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See more of Madeleine’s work:
www.madeleinemorlet.com
Instagram: @madeleinemorlet

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