Life Blood Exhibit is a group show exploring the theme of menstruation, organized by Jennifer Weigel. Weigel invited several women artists to participate in a St. Louis show, and with their ideas and suggestions the show grew. Since then, it has expanded to include a preview party and a full color catalog featuring artworks by the core group of thirteen women artists. The show will travel throughout the St. Louis region from 2010 – 2011 with each show featuring different artists more prominently. It will then travel nationally from 2011 – 2012, ideally incorporating works created locally alongside of selections from the core group.
Why have a show about menstruation? Menstruation is still a taboo topic. Many women are ashamed of their bodies and feel dirty when they are menstruating. There are still many myths surrounding menstruation, and both normal and potentially life-threatening conditions are too often not discussed, leaving individual women to wonder whether or not anything is wrong. But menstruation shouldn’t been seen as something dirty, deviant or wrong - it is a natural function of the female body and provides evidence of women’s ability to carry children and to give birth to new life.
By drawing attention to the female body and to the menstrual cycle, artists are able to comment on this life-giving aspect of womanhood and to celebrate and/or show their discontent with their own bodies and cycles. Also in exploring this theme, artists are able to offer commentary on their experiences, confront stereotypes & assumptions and educate one another about things that are too often left unsaid.
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