M exican-Can adian artist
Alondra Ruiz-Hernandez
Period Portraits Statement
Within many cultures, periods are seen
as a shameful part of womanhood. In
cultures around the world, detrimental
myths have been attached to effects of
a period. For instance, even the spoil of
food has been attributed to the contact
with a menstruating individual. In other
societies—where mythology attached to
periods are not prevalent—women hide
evidence of their menstruation to avoid
embarrassment and ridicule. These ‘Period
Portraits’ are bodily ready-made’s that
transform this female shame into pride. The
intimate blood stained pads are taken
out of their typical personal context and
placed within a new landscape, allowing
for a new dialog to begin revolving
around the taboo of menstruation.
ART
9
pag e