I use my art as a platform for voicing my
opinions. I want my work to stare in the face of the viewer, encouraging them
to question their own beliefs and what society deems 'normal'.
My recent work,
based on the taboo of periods, includes large paintings of women menstruating, an image many people may find grotesque and offensive. My tutor stated that my
work depicted a private experience in an aggressive manner; then suggesting I
contemplate depicting my imagery in a more delicate format. The particular
painting did indeed depict a nude woman reclining in a provocative pose but due
to the adding of menstrual blood the image automatically transformed from
provocative to aggressive. Why? Why should the gentle flow of menstrual blood
be seen as aggressive? Its not a fatal wound gushing with blood. Why should my
paintings of menstruation be delicate? Is it due to the stereotypical idea that
all women are delicate? If men were to have periods and a male artist depicted
it, would he be told to make his work delicate and small? Is menstruation only
private because of the negative connotations ceremoniously linked to periods
that ensure women feel embarrassed by them? I believe that menstruation should
be an unoffending talking point; from the outset I wanted my paintings to be
unapologetic in what they depicted. Their large size ensures they are seen and
heard, people may discuss them in a negative way but this does ensure my aim of
making menstruation a talking point has commenced.
