Maman

Let's be clear: encountering a spider over 30 feet tall is usually a sign to run. But before you flee, you should know that 'Maman', the French word for Mother, is less about horror and more about a complicated homage. The sculpture is a nod to the artist’s mother, who worked as a tapestry restorer. Spiders are weavers, after all—clever, patient, and protective creatures who repair their webs when they are damaged. Crafted from bronze, stainless steel, and marble, the sculpture’s symbolism is as layered as its construction. Tucked beneath its body is a sac containing glistening marble eggs, a direct symbol of maternal protection. However, the towering arachnid can feel like both a protective nest and a cage, hinting at the more complex and sometimes smothering aspects of family. The entire massive structure teeters on improbably slender legs, conveying a surprising vulnerability that contrasts with its intimidating presence. 'Maman' was first commissioned for the launch of the Unilever Series at London's Tate Modern in 2000. The spider motif itself was a theme the artist had contemplated since a drawing in 1947. So while it may look like a creature from a nightmare, it’s really a deep, and slightly unnerving, exploration of a mother's fierce and fragile strength.