Pleasures — RANA

Pleasures and perils of the period

Artist: Rana

Title: Pleasures and Perils of the Period

Medium: Painted artist’s body with red colour on a white sheet

Size: 1.5 x 6 feet (18 x 72 in.)

Menstruation is an incredibly uncomfortable experience that women endure each month. In India, social restrictions prevent women from entering temples during their periods, which is considered unholy. Traditionally, people avoid discussing this natural bodily function, deeming it embarrassing or distasteful. Even when women attempt to broach the topic, they are often judged based on their upbringing, culture, and education, not only by traditional individuals but also by well-educated people. Unfortunately, it's not just men who contribute to this judgmental attitude; some women are also unsupportive of their fellow women.

However, here an artist decided to use her body to express her experiences during menstruation. As a woman, she acknowledges that we are born with this biological reality that cannot be changed, but our perspective can.

Through her artwork, she portrays her body's pain and challenges during this time and how she sacrificed sleep for comfort. The artist demonstrates the connection between the surface of a white sheet and the temporary relief it brings. For the first time, she feels unafraid to rest on a white sheet, which provides her with a sense of comfort and satisfaction, ultimately boosting her confidence.

The artist also delves into the profound connection between human emotions and inanimate objects in her exploration. Although objects lack feelings, they can still evoke a sense of contentment within her. Paradoxically, humans, born with emotions, often question the origins of the universe and the concept of creationism, despite lacking the ability to fully understand it.