Stigma Enigma
An experimental book about how menstruation superstitions evolved and changed into what they are today. The book uses a variety of media such as collage, photography, and experimental typography. The book also includes two flip books within in.
The book deals with the shame that many Indian women face when they menstruate. Women are told to not enter the temple and kitchen. They are not supposed to touch the pickle because they are considered impure and dirty. However, these superstitions have changed over time.
Women were told to not enter temple as there was a lot of energy flow from the temple and the woman.
Women were told to not enter the kitchen and to rest instead because their bodies need rest.
Women were told to not eat pickle as it causes acidity and is especially bad when your body is tired.
All these started off with reason and logic to take acre of your health during your period. But now they have been charged, twisted and manipulated and makes menstruation seem dirty, polluted and impure.
The book contains two flip books within. The first showing the relation between the menstruation and lunar cycle were linked. The second depicting that menstruation is nothing to be ashamed of.
Spread depicting the differences between the past and the present. The natural moon light had a huge effect on the menstrual cycle. The lunar cycle and menstrual cycle were hence, in sync. A woman's cycle was in sync with nature, which increased her energies tremendously.
Now, since we are dependant on artificial light sources, we are no longer in sync with the lunar cycle.
The turn of the page shows the changes from the past and present.
Typography and Visuals : Use of thread, leaves, flowers, bread, and digital type.
Logic Typography : Twisting and skewing logic.
This spread questions what changed and why? It talks about how something that was said for safety and good health was twisted and changed for the worse.
March 2018
