El Morgan, a fine art lecturer at Loughborough University in Leicestershire, has opened an exhibition to make sense of her experiences with IVF. After giving birth to twins in 2019, Morgan continues to pay to keep frozen embryos from her 2018 IVF cycle stored in a facility in Nottinghamshire.
The exhibition “Tale of the Frozen Bits” examines the various individuals and animals involved in preserving embryos. Morgan became interested in the subject while undergoing IVF treatment, which she approached as an art project to cope with the process’s physical, emotional, and financial stress.
Through sculpture, sound, video, print, and text, the exhibition explores the fascinating history of fertility drugs, including how they were originally sourced from nuns’ urine, as directed by the Vatican in the 1950s. Morgan’s research helped her feel less isolated during her IVF journey, and she hopes the exhibition will have a similar impact on others undergoing treatment.
Morgan highlights the pressure felt by individuals undergoing IVF and the need to understand the larger picture, saying, “When I found out about the people and animals involved in fertility drugs, I thought, ‘oh my goodness, it’s not just me doing this on my own.'”
While a successful IVF cycle can result in multiple embryos, some individuals choose to freeze any extras for future use. Morgan, who has never seen her frozen embryos but pays for their storage, created the exhibition to bring them into reality and make sense of her relationship with them.
The exhibition has received praise from audiences and critics alike, who appreciate Morgan’s unique perspective on the IVF topic. Using different mediums, she offers a thought-provoking and moving look at the complexities and emotions surrounding the process.
Many visitors have described the exhibition as a powerful and intimate portrayal of the IVF experience and have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
In an interview, Morgan stated, “I wanted to create something that would not only make sense of my own experiences with IVF but also provide a space for others to reflect on their own experiences, whether they be positive or negative.”
As more and more people turn to IVF to start families, exhibitions like “Tale of the Frozen Bits” are increasingly important in raising awareness and starting conversations around the topic. Morgan’s art has proven to be a valuable contribution to this conversation and has received widespread recognition for its sensitive and insightful approach.
The exhibition is open to the public and runs at Castlefield Gallery in Manchester until March 12, admission is free.
Overall, “Tale of the Frozen Bits” is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in the subject of IVF and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.
