Why Jenny Saville’s ‘Anatomy of Painting’ Reveals What Fertility Really Feels Like

Have you ever felt that the most personal parts of your journey—like trying to conceive—are almost impossible to put into words? If so, you’re not alone. Recently, I visited the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition of Jenny Saville’s work, 'Anatomy of Painting,' and it struck me just how much her raw, visceral portrayal of the human body resonates with the emotional and physical realities of fertility struggles and triumphs.

Saville’s paintings aren’t simply portraits; they’re explorations of flesh and form—unvarnished, unfiltered, and deeply human. They expose vulnerability and strength simultaneously. And, honestly, that’s exactly how many of us feel when navigating fertility, especially through home-based options like insemination.

So here’s the question: What can a groundbreaking art exhibition teach us about the fertility journey? Let’s dive in.

The Raw Reality of Fertility: A Body and Mind Experience

Saville’s work isn’t about idealized bodies; it’s about the actual, lived experience of flesh—sometimes bruised, sometimes stretched, sometimes tender. For those on the path to conceive, especially with tools you can use at home, there’s a parallel vulnerability. Your body becomes the center of focus—its responses, its rhythms, its surprises.

Many people feel isolated during this process. Unlike clinical settings where fertility might feel clinical and detached, home insemination invites intimacy but also uncertainty. You’re in control, yet so much depends on your body’s response.

Home Insemination: Control Meets Vulnerability

This is where innovations like MakeAMom’s insemination kits come into play. Their products are thoughtfully designed to support people navigating fertility in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Whether you’re using the CryoBaby kit for frozen sperm or the BabyMaker kit designed for specific sensitivities, there’s an empowering element to taking charge of your journey—but it’s also deeply personal and sometimes emotionally charged.

The kits' reusable design and discreet packaging underscore respect for privacy and sustainability—values that mirror the considerate, non-intrusive way many want to experience fertility treatments today.

Seeing Yourself Reflected in Art and Experience

What struck me most about Saville’s exhibition was how it broke down barriers between the viewer and the subject. Similarly, the more conversations we have around fertility—especially home approaches—the more normalized and supported these journeys become.

Imagine looking at those bold, unapologetic images of bodies and feeling seen—not just as a hopeful parent but as a whole person with a complex relationship to your body. That’s the kind of empathy and understanding every fertility resource should strive to cultivate.

Bringing It All Together: Why This Matters Now

In 2025, the world is shifting. People want fertility solutions that fit their lifestyles and values—privacy, control, affordability, and emotional openness. MakeAMom’s success rate of 67% with home kits shows that these options aren’t just alternatives; they’re effective and transformative.

And art like Saville’s reminds us: fertility isn’t just a medical procedure or a “checklist” item. It’s messy, beautiful, hard, and deeply human. It’s about embracing our bodies and stories, every bruised and stretched inch of it.

If you’re curious about exploring home insemination options or simply want to understand more about what makes this journey so complex and inspiring, check out MakeAMom’s comprehensive resources and kits. They offer practical tools that respect your unique experience and needs.

Final Thoughts

So, what do you think? Can art help us appreciate the fertility journey in a new light? Has anyone else felt the power of seeing their experience reflected in unexpected places? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories. Share in the comments below!

And if you’re interested in the full story behind Jenny Saville’s exhibition, here’s the original article for a deeper dive: Beauty Bleeds Through Jenny Saville’s ‘Anatomy of Painting’.

Remember, your fertility journey is uniquely yours—embrace every part of it with courage and compassion.