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Capullo: In the Shadows of Motherhood
A monochromatic self-portrait zine by Natali Bravo-Barbee

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Capullo: In the Shadows of Motherhood is a series of black-and-white instant self-portraits that courageously unveil the unspoken realities of postpartum life following a C-section and a traumatic birth. “Capullo,” meaning “cocoon” in Spanish, encapsulates the secluded, transformative time at home—a period of profound healing and self-discovery, where the body becomes a landscape marking the path from pain to resilience.

 

Through hauntingly beautiful imagery, this series captures the raw emotions of early motherhood: the sleepless nights, the profound love, and the quiet strength that shape each moment. Each self-portrait serves as both a witness and testament to the artist’s journey through physical and emotional recovery, blurring the lines between self-identity and maternal duty.

 

These monochrome photographs freeze fleeting, powerful memories, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the intense challenges of postpartum life—from breastfeeding to pumping milk to the lingering impact of birth trauma. Bravo-Barbee's work reveals the tension between creating, capturing, and simply being present, inviting the viewer to witness the vulnerability, resilience, and quiet beauty of a mother’s journey in navigating the transformative aftermath of childbirth.