CHRONICLES OF RESILIENCE. 2024

Endometriosis is a whole-body disease affecting 1 in 7 women in Australia. The "Chronicles of Resilience" cabinet is a sacred vessel designed to tell the stories of individuals affected by this condition, inspired by my personal journey. The cabinet serves as a means of connection, solace, and advocacy, drawing from the lived experiences of others with endometriosis.

A workshop organised for this project allowed 11 individuals impacted by endometriosis to inscribe their stories on the tiles. The cabinet’s tiled façade depicts their journey through the exploration of four themes: ‘Challenge,’ ‘Resilience,’ ‘Empowerment,’ and ‘Imagined Future.’  The first three themes showcase specific colours and textures representing shared experiences of endometriosis, while ‘Imagined Futures’ features messages of hope handwritten by the participants.

Each drum features large handles to easily turn the sections, dynamically reconfiguring the facade to reflect the erratic cycles of their journey with this chronic condition. Just as the struggles of endometriosis remain hidden, the cabinet’s contents also remain concealed until opened. This metaphor captures the duality of internal pain and external concealment, highlighting the tension between expressing one's inner experience and protecting vulnerable aspects of oneself.

The interior of the cabinet is lined with brass panels, producing a glow aimed to sanctify the objects within. The panels feature symbolic engravings about health justice and bodily agency, enriching the cabinet's narrative. It sits on a four-legged plinth adorned with female faces symbolising strength and solidarity. Combining safekeeping and display, the cabinet preserves cherished items inside while exhibiting the story-laden tiles on the outside.

The "Chronicles of Resilience" cabinet aims to dignify the lived experiences of endometriosis and advocate for a better future. This piece demonstrates design's potential to cultivate understanding by encouraging connection and interaction.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to each participant for sharing their personal stories, enriching this project with invaluable insights and fostering deeper understanding and solidarity around endometriosis.

Recipient of Australia Furniture Design Award (AFDA) 2024 supported and presented by the National Gallery fo Victoria and Stylecraft.