Have you ever paused to consider how art is transforming our perception of periods? Dive into the vibrant and bold realm of menstrual art, where creativity and activism come together. Here, artists are defying societal taboos and celebrating menstruation as a symbol of strength and dignity, bringing what was once hidden and stigmatised into the spotlight. Join us as we explore a few striking examples of this powerful artistic movement!
We begin our journey back in 1971 when Judy Chicago’s groundbreaking “Red Flag” shook the art world (1). This photolithograph (a technique which uses light to create images on specially treated paper) depicted a hand pulling a bloody tampon from a vaginal canal. Surprisingly, many at the time didn’t recognize what they were seeing, a testament to the invisibility of this experience in society, especially among those who don’t menstruate. “Red Flag” is now considered one of the first instances of contemporary menstrual art, known for pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions. Chicago’s work helped pave the way for a new era of artistic expression, where menstruation became a canvas for activism and empowerment.
In recent years, artists have continued this legacy, pushing menstrual art in new directions. “Menstrala” is a term coined by artist Vanessa Tiegs in 2000 to describe her paintings that incorporated menstrual blood as a medium (2). She hoped that by naming this practice, it would help unite menstrual artists worldwide.
A great example of menstrala is Sarah Levy’s “ ‘Whatever’ (Bloody Trump)”, a direct response to sexist comments made by then-US presidential candidate Donald Trump (3). In 2015, toward the beginning of the Republican National Debates, Trump referred to news anchor Megyn Kelly as bleeding out of her “wherever” to explain why she had asked him such tough questions during a debate (4). This incident revealed that menstrual taboos were still alive and well by firmly evoking outdated gender stereotypes. In response, artist Sarah Levy painted a portrait of Trump, using her own menstrual blood.
She received a lot of news coverage, and a lot of backlash. In response to the backlash, Levy retorted: “People were saying stuff like, ‘You’re disgusting. Why are you painting using your own blood?’” (5). Levy suggested that the anger aimed at her work be reconsidered and turned against Trump’s campaign’s misogyny and bigotry. She expressed: “There are plenty of things to be outraged about, but my little piece of art should be at the bottom of that list.” (6). A piece that otherwise may not have garnered much media attention had it been made using red paint for instance, was reported on by major news outlets, highlighting the power of menstrual art to provoke social commentary.
Another example of menstrual art causing quite the stir is the “period” photography project by poet and visual artist Rupi Kaur, which ignited a global conversation about menstruation (7). In 2015, Kaur posted the first of a series of photographs to Instagram. In this one, a young woman (herself) is seen from the back, resting on a bed. The primary focal points are two dark red stains on Kaur’s sweatpants, and one on her sheets. Rupi Kaur’s “period” photograph, depicted menstrual blood (using a concoction of condiments) in a way that is exceedingly familiar to most people who menstruate: as stained clothes and bedsheets. Through bold, unapologetic images, Kaur challenged societal taboos and encouraged others to embrace their bodies in all their messy glory.
Kaur’s work was met with both praise and controversy, underscoring the importance of her message and the need for continued dialogue around menstruation and bodily autonomy. Her defiant stance against Instagram’s initial censorship and deletion of her post (they revoked their decision a week later) have inspired countless individuals to embrace their own experiences and speak out against stigma.
These are just a few examples of how menstrual art can spark conversations, amongst many others. But why does menstrual art matter? Beyond the shock value and visual appeal, these pieces carry a deeper message, one that speaks to the heart of gender equality and bodily autonomy. By reclaiming menstruation as a source of power, as something that does not need to be hidden (see article the Menstrual Concealment Imperative) these artists are challenging societal norms.
So let’s celebrate menstrual art for what it truly is: a vibrant, empowering movement that’s changing the way we think about menstruation. With each new piece, menstrual artists are sparking conversations, and inviting us all to join the menstrual revolution!
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