Kripa Bhatia and the ‘Architecture of Menstruation’

Inspired by the stories and lived experiences captured in Period Matters, Kripa Bhatia’s artwork explores the “architecture of menstruation” — the different rooms and spaces women inhabit during their periods, shaped by choice, culture, religion, family traditions, or social imposition.

The stories in Period Matters moved her to look closely at the physical spaces associated with menstruation and translate these intimate, often unseen experiences into visual form. Her illustrations bring to life the many ways in which menstruation can determine where women may go, where they are expected to stay, and how they experience their own homes and surroundings during their menstrual cycle. Through this work, Kripa captures the diversity of menstrual experiences, making visible the political, religious, cultural, and social realities embedded within these spaces.

Kripa Bhatia is a Mumbai-based illustrator and writer whose work is deeply rooted in her engagement with people, children, and grassroots communities, and who is committed to making books accessible to children from all walks of life.