Ron Mueck’s iconic and internationally acclaimed Pregnant woman sculpture has arrived in Maitland as part of a long-term loan from the National Gallery of Australia under the Sharing the National Collection initiative.

The exhibition of this incredible work officially kicked off at Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) on April 13 and is on display until June 23, 2025, so you’ve got plenty of time to catch it.

Standing a towering 2.5 metres tall, Pregnant woman is a strikingly realistic depiction of a woman in the final days of pregnancy, offering a contemporary perspective on the longstanding tradition of portraying the body and motherhood in art.

Created by Australian sculptor Ron Mueck in 2002, Pregnant woman is one of his most ambitious works, largely thanks to its sheer size. 

Like his other works, it defies realism by portraying the woman much larger than her real-life counterpart. It’s hyperreal – a meditation on the human condition that really makes you stop and consider.

MRAG was granted the long-term loan in September 2023 as part of the Australian Government’s Sharing the National Collection program. 

“We're thrilled and honoured to host one of Mueck’s most iconic works here at Maitland Regional Art Gallery,” said Gallery Director Gerry Bobsien. 

“This exhibition not only presents the first opportunity for regional audiences in NSW to experience Mueck’s powerful sculpture close to home, but also underscores our commitment to bringing world class art to the Hunter region.”

Three additional exhibitions will complement Pregnant woman during the loan period, featuring new commissions and artworks from the MRAG collection that explore the body in art, family, and humanity.

The exhibition of Mueck’s work will also include a schedule of interesting programs including prenatal yoga classes, reflective talks, arts health programs, life drawing, performances and education resources and programs for high school students. 

Make sure you go and marvel at this thought-provoking work while it’s on display at MRAG.

Pregnant woman by Ron Mueck

When: April 23, 2024 – 23 June, 2025
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland
More information: visit the Maitland Regional Art Gallery website.