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.
Out on 28th June. Pre-order your copy from Amazon.
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.
Raqs-E-Mahvaari
Aalap and Composition (Raag Megh): Tanya Hussain Camera: Waqar Arshad Assistance: Tamar Shehzad Editing: Vicky Coordination: Zeejah Fazli
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 buy
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.