Writing and art on menstruation
A pathbreaking anthology on the diverse experiences of menstruation in South Asia.
Menstruation is a topic often buried in fear and shame. Its discussion is even taboo in many societies. But menstruation is a healthy and fundamental bodily process.
A worldwide effort is now firmly underway to bring conversations about menstruation and menstrual health into the open.
Period Matters carries this important endeavour forward.
Period Matters brings together a breadth of perspectives from well-known figures as well as those whose voices are missing from the mainstream.
Essays, artwork, stories and poems from policymakers, entrepreneurs, artists, academics, activists, as well as interviews with those at the margins, such as the homeless and those living with disabilities, explore myriad aspects of how menstruation is experienced in South Asia.
A collection of breathtaking scope and significance, Period Matters illustrates with power, purpose and creativity both the variances and commonalities of menstruation.
Period Matters
Period Matters includes contributions from
Aakar Innovations • Farah Ahamed • Granaz Baloch • Siba Barkataki • Alnoor Bhimani • Srilekha Chakraborty • Shashi Deshpande • Tishani Doshi • Lyla FreeChild • Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan • Goonj • Menstrupedia • Anish Kapoor • Rupi Kaur • K. Madavane • Amna Mawaz Khan • Sarah Naqvi • Ayra Indrias Patras • Victoria Patrick • Radha Paudel • Radhika Radhakrishnan • Lisa Ray • Mariam Siar • Shahzia Sikander • Shashi Tharoor • Meera Tiwari • Tashi Zangmo
Edited by Farah Ahamed
Publisher: Macmillan
Language: English
Publication date: 28 June 2022
www.panmacmillan.co.in
Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 9389104475
ISBN-13: 978-9389104479
Kindle: 16917 KB
Available to purchase
Raqs-E-Mahvaari
Aalap and Composition (Raag Megh): Tanya Hussain Camera: Waqar Arshad Assistance: Tamar Shehzad Editing: Vicky Coordination: Zeejah Fazli
Lyla FreeChild
The book cover for Period Matters features “Aadya Shakti” by Lyla FreeChild
Lyla FreeChild with artwork
Aadya Shakti
My art was inspired by Lajja Gauri. Lajja Gauri is the lotus-headed Hindu goddess associated with abundance, fertility and sexuality. She is also known as Aadya Shakti (primal energy) and Bhu-devi (Earth goddess).
In my vision of her, I saw myself. In my painting you will see Lajja Gauri wearing thick bangles, toe rings, anklets and armlets which is the kind of jewelry I always wear. In order to do justice to what I had imagined, I photographed myself extensively. I wanted my art to be very personal and intimate. I had been harvesting my own menstrual blood for several years and had collected enough to use as paint. I was convinced this medium would allow me to reclaim the purity of menstrual blood.
Art for sale
Lyla FreeChild has made her artwork Aadya Shakti and Reflowering available as prints for sale.
These are A3 size Giclee Prints on Museum Etching Paper (high archival quality). Each print is individually signed by the artist. The original artworks were made using ink, acrylics and her menstrual fluid.
Purchasing Lyla’s artwork helps to support her and her art practice. Each print is priced at £30 (GBP 30). If you are interested, please contact us.
Postcards
Bashali: a place of freedom
In northern Pakistan, menstruating women can choose to retreat to a bashali, a sacred space only for women on their period or about to give birth.
Feminism is Humanism: Why Period Art Matters
In 1970s, Judith Chicago was considered a radical artist. She explained: ‘I am trying to make art that relates to the deepest and most mythic concerns of human kind and I believe that…feminism is humanism.’
Why Period Art Matters
A live session held on Thursday 8th December, hosted by Pan Macmillan India. Celebrating Dignified Menstruation Day. With Farah Ahamed, Granaz Baloch, Lyla FreeChild and Amna Mawaz Khan.
