In the spring semester my Painting III class was challenged to make a painting based on a social issue. We were tasked with moving away from literal interpretations and focus on how the formal elements of art can convey a social issue. The issue I ch… | By McKenna Seavey on July 14, 2024 | In the spring semester my Painting III class was challenged to make a painting based on a social issue. We were tasked with moving away from literal interpretations and focus on how the formal elements of art can convey a social issue. The issue I chose to take on is Period Poverty. Period Poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, sanitation, hygiene facilities, and includes education and awareness of menstrual health. Women all over the world struggle to obtain products that would help them maintain hygiene and are left to use alternative methods. A common solution is to use dried cow feces. It is often placed inside a girl's underwear or put into a pouch that is then rested in the underwear. Some women do not even have this access and instead squat over a hole in the ground until they are done menstruating. In addition to this, conversations about periods are often deemed as taboo and are frowned upon. Because of this, many girls do not understand what a period is and how to properly clean themselves, leading to a lifelong struggle. Crimson Inequality My painting is made up of layers of textured rubbings, drawings, and paint. The painting is composed of drawings underneath with an old rag painted on top. The rag slowly fades as it moves lower on the canvas. Some of the drawings are various menstrual products and symbols of femininity. There are also rubbings of the women's restroom including the sign and tile inside. The concept was to confront the viewer with the realities of Period Poverty as it is a constant struggle for the women who suffer from it and unrecognized from those who do not. The rag is the simple placeholder for all of the unfortunate solutions women have for dealing with Period Poverty. Having menstrual products and access to a bathroom is a privilege and many women take that for granted. I believe that those fortunate enough to not suffer from Period Poverty should recognize the struggles other women face. | | | |
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