How Jenny Saville’s ‘Anatomy of Painting’ Changed My View on Fertility and Body Image

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like your body was a battlefield? Like it was this complicated, sometimes confusing landscape that doesn’t always behave the way you hope — especially when it comes to fertility and creating life? That’s exactly where I found myself recently, and it all connected in the most unexpected way with Jenny Saville’s exhibition, The Anatomy of Painting, currently showing at London’s National Portrait Gallery. If you haven’t heard about it yet, it’s a jaw-dropping solo exhibit that dissects the human form in ways that are raw, unfiltered, and downright intimate. And honestly? It changed how I think about myself and my journey with at-home insemination. Let me explain why.

The Power of Seeing Beauty in Imperfection

Saville doesn’t shy away from the quirks, scars, and shapes of the human body. Instead, her giant canvases invite you to sit with those imperfections, to really feel them. As someone navigating the emotional rollercoaster of fertility, that message hit hard. Fertility struggles often come with feelings of shame or failure — like your body is “broken” or somehow “less than.” What Saville’s work reminds us is that there is beauty and strength in the body’s story, even when it’s messy.

This perspective is especially important for those of us choosing at-home insemination. It can feel clinical or impersonal trying to create life outside the traditional medical setting, but it doesn’t have to be. The journey is deeply personal, and embracing your body as it is — on its unique path — can empower you before you even begin.

What Can Art Teach Us About Fertility?

You might be wondering, what does contemporary painting have to do with insemination and fertility? Quite a bit, it turns out. Saville’s focus on anatomy and the human form reminds me that fertility isn’t just a biological process; it’s an emotional and psychological one too. And that’s why tools like the ones from MakeAMom are so revolutionary.

MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits are designed not just for functionality but for dignity and comfort. With options like CryoBaby for frozen sperm and BabyMaker for sensitive users, the process becomes more accessible and personalized. It puts you — your needs, your body, your story — in the driver’s seat. Just like Saville’s paintings ask us to witness and honor the realness of bodies, MakeAMom supports the realness of each individual’s fertility journey.

Connecting the Dots: Art, Fertility, and Self-Compassion

When I walked away from Saville’s exhibition, I kept thinking about how much we need to be kinder to ourselves through fertility challenges. Whether you’re using innovative kits at home or exploring medical routes, your body is a landscape of resilience. And sometimes, like a great piece of art, it demands patience, attention, and a willingness to see beyond the surface.

Here’s the thing: fertility struggles can feel isolating, but tapping into communities and resources can make a world of difference. Sites like MakeAMom not only offer practical solutions but create a safe space where your fertility passion meets respect for your unique journey.

What Can You Do Today? Think Like an Artist.

• Reframe your story: Like Saville’s painters do, try to embrace the whole picture — the ups, downs, curves, and edges.
• Seek tools that support you: Affordable, discreet, and user-tailored options like MakeAMom’s reusable kits can turn at-home insemination into an empowering ritual.
• Allow vulnerability: Sharing your story with others or journaling about your feelings can be just as important as any medical step.

Final Thoughts

The Anatomy of Painting isn’t just about art — it’s a powerful reminder that beauty, strength, and hope live in every part of our bodies, including the parts that help us create new life. If you’re on a fertility journey, especially through at-home insemination, I urge you to see your body through that same compassionate lens. And if you want to explore practical, supportive ways to take control, check out how MakeAMom’s innovative kits can help you feel empowered at every step.

For more on Jenny Saville’s fascinating exhibition, check out the full feature on Hypebeast here.

What has shifted for you in your fertility or body image journey? Have you found any surprising sources of inspiration? Let’s talk below—your story could be the beacon someone else needs.