I GO TO THE DEPTH OF THE OCEAN WITHIN THE BODY OF A WOMAN . 2023

This room divider is a deeply personal and symbolic piece of furniture reflecting on women's health visibility and justice. Standing at 2.1 meters tall and 1.1 meters wide, it is crafted from stainless steel with a zinc passivation treatment, giving it a striking golden rainbow finish.

The design features soft, feminine curved lines and oval-shaped panels that enhance thematic and visual harmony. Each panel showcases unique artistic techniques and materials. The middle steel panels are laser-cut and adorned with delicate, tactile icons exploring themes of women's health and experiences. These cut-outs allow light to pass through, creating captivating shadow plays that invite dynamic engagement with the artwork.

Other panels employ a weaving technique using wool offcuts to create bioforms resembling internal organs, adding depth and texture with the support of pearl headed pins. These bioforms are intricately woven into the structure, providing a tactile and visual contrast to the steel panels. The use of wool offcuts also emphasises sustainability and resourcefulness in design.

Symbols on the panels include goddess forms, moon symbols, and delicate cut-outs resembling flowers and internal organs. These icons represent various aspects of women's health and experiences, from the menstrual cycle to the struggles with endometriosis. The presence of symbols like the Rod of Asclepius and scales of justice signifies healing and the fight for recognition and equality.

Historically, room dividers have served not only as practical elements for dividing space but also as platforms for storytelling and artistic expression. They have been used in various cultures to depict scenes from everyday life, religious narratives and significant events, becoming focal points for reflection and conversation. This tradition is honoured and expanded upon in my design, as the room divider becomes a canvas for my personal and political narrative.

My personal journey, marked by a prolonged battle with endometriosis and systemic medical biases, is deeply woven into this artwork. The room divider stands as a cathartic expression of this experience, critiquing the medical biases that often neglect women's specific health needs and highlighting the broader societal need for recognition and change.

This piece not only serves its functional role but also acts as a platform for introspection and dialogue. The detailed craftsmanship and symbolic elements make it a focal point that sparks conversations about women's health and societal challenges, inviting viewers to explore their interpretations and connections to the themes presented.

Through this work, I aimed to inspire a shift in how women's health is approached and understood, making it a symbol of resilience and a call for greater awareness. Since this piece has been exhibited, it has sparked deep and inspirational conversations with women who want to have their voices heard, serving as a gentle reminder of the importance of visibility and justice in women's health. It transforms a piece of furniture into a meaningful catalyst for dialogue and change.