Period:FYI
In the Asian subcontinent, the subject of menstruation has always been surrounded by taboos and myths alongside sanitary issues. There’s a society of culture which doesn’t allow womxn to speak openly about sex and the female reproductive organs which leads to many misconceptions about the female body. Restriction on open dialogue prevents womxn from gaining knowledge of female reproductive health and sourcing of sanitary products.
Artist educator Fatima Amin and artist Xu Li have collaborated an investigation into menstruation experiences of womxn past and present through their own voices. Due to the current pandemic the world is dealing with, Li’s investigation looks at the coronavirus spread in China in February this year. More than 60% of front-line womxn are employed and the growing consensus of anger and upset has come to light due to the lack of sanitary and hygiene products being distributed. She has conducted an audio recording of interviews with womxn sharing their concerns which Li has translated with text.
Amin’s investigation was directed to the taboos and myths circulating during their personal ‘period’ experiences of womxn from the BME community in Birmingham. The initial idea was to have a video installation of womxn having a conversation about their experiences around taboos and myths. Due to the corona pandemic, the investigation took a different engagement process with womxn anonymously, through a survey which brought out some interesting and vulnerable dialogue that womxn have openly voiced. Amin has used a wide range of typography in a manner of a playful dance to share some very worrying concerns that womxn and young girls have experienced. The age ranges of the females that took part ranged from 13 to 65 years of age.