Public Story
Mi Matriz No Me Define / My Uterus Does Not Define Me
Summary
Exploring the intricate connection between materiality & the female form via photography, self-portraiture, & performance. Employing a hands-on approach, I engage in manual intervention, meticulously layering with sharp tools, needle & thread. Meanwhile, I expose the photographs to nature's ever-changing elements, externalizing the ebb & flow of my mental & emotional scars as they ephemerally weather the photograph's emulsion.
Navigating a profound personal exploration of identity post-hysterectomy due to a complicated endometriosis,
boldly reframing it as an enriching awakening of femininity.
Navigating a profound personal exploration of identity post-hysterectomy due to a complicated endometriosis,
boldly reframing it as an enriching awakening of femininity.
In my ongoing series of self-portraits, I embark on a deeply personal exploration of my identity following a total hysterectomy in January 2020, necessitated by complex endometriosis and adenomyosis. This artistic journey delves into the profound loss of my sexual and reproductive organs, reframing it as an awakening of my femininity. Entitled "Mi Matriz No Me Define/My Uterus Does Not Define Me," the series boldly asserts that the absence of these organs does not diminish my womanhood; rather, it enriches it. Central to the series are photographic prints meticulously stitched by hand, employing various techniques to manipulate the photo paper with needle and thread. This tactile and labor-intensive process serves as a metaphor for reclaiming agency over the transformation of my body, echoing the surgical interventions performed by male hands in the operating room. Moreover, the act of hand-stitching is imbued with personal significance, connecting me to my familial lineage—my grandmother, a skilled seamstress, who imparted upon me a legacy of craftsmanship and resilience. Furthermore, the series integrates my distinctive style of writing onto the photographs, a tribute to my mother, an artist and calligrapher, who instilled in me a reverence for the union of visual art and the written word. Through this fusion of mediums, I assert control over my narrative, externalizing hidden scars—physical, emotional and mental—while inviting viewers to contemplate themes of transformation, growth, self-acceptance and self-love. My healing journey has been multifaceted, navigating the tumultuous terrain of physical, mental, and emotional upheaval, battling depression and anxiety induced by hormonal imbalances and my newfound perimenopausal state. Amidst these challenges, my art has emerged as a sanctuary, a cathartic outlet for processing complex emotions and reclaiming a sense of agency and autonomy. I am acutely aware of the societal significance of my project, particularly amidst ongoing debates surrounding reproductive rights and bodily autonomy, epitomized by the landmark case of Roe v. Wade. My own journey, marked by a decade of suffering and medical interventions, culminated in the resolute decision to undergo a radical hysterectomy—a decision informed by deep introspection and unwavering conviction. Through my art, I endeavor to amplify the voices of countless women grappling with similar struggles, offering solace, solidarity, and empowerment. I am humbled by the countless individuals who have approached me seeking guidance and validation in their own reproductive journeys. To them, I offer a simple yet profound mantra: listen to your body—it will guide you towards self-discovery, self-affirmation and healing. In sharing my artwork with the world, I aspire to illuminate the internal struggles and triumphs of women's bodies, fostering a sense of understanding and compassion. By reclaiming control over our bodies and narratives, we cultivate the resilience to embrace and celebrate ourselves in all our complexities and contradictions.
70