YOU BEAUT
Hotham Street Ladies (AUS)
Despite being a biological process crucial for continuing life, menstruation remains a strong cultural taboo. Why does menstrual blood remain so shocking for many of us?
You Beaut is an installation made from icing and sweets that represents uterine bleeding in a humorous and uplifting manner that encourages open discussion. The mural of piped uteri will recall scientific imagery and the repetitive nature of menstruation, but will also challenge the notion of ‘regularity’ by illustrating conditions such as menorrhagia (abnormally heavy bleeding). The pathologies are decoratively piped like names on birthday cakes and the colours and textures seduce viewers into thinking differently about this aspect of women’s lives, which is often considered restrictive, dirty and shameful. The surprise people feel on seeing this hidden aspect of women’s lives, represented in a way that is so visceral, encourages them to participate and connect in debate.
The Hotham Street Ladies are a group of five women who met in a share household in Melbourne and make street art, installations, public art, recipe books and cakes. They have exhibited work at the National Gallery of Victoria, The Johnson Collection and Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin.