Ananya Basu

My project started with a reflection on the feelings of shame I felt towards myself when dealing with menstruation. With a history of ovarian cysts and heavy menstruation at the age of 13, I often think about how things could have been different then if I weren't so secretive about my condition. Recognising the resentment I have towards my shame and embarrassment led to research into societal perspectives on menstruation, particularly in Indian culture, where it is often considered impure and taboo. Women sometimes face restrictions such as eating separately or being excluded from religious spaces during menstruation, which reinforces negative perceptions and perpetuates feelings of shame and secrecy among young girls about their periods. The artwork presents varying layers of colours and textiles to highlight the heavy weight of shame. Different shades of red in streaky lines symbolise embarrassment, anger, and resentment while evoking the imagery of blood. A heavy silhouette around the shoulders, composed of a chaotic mix of textiles, represents the messy emotions that accompany the unwanted burden of shame.