About Bloody Times

About Bloody Times is an exploration of the physical, emotional, and social aspect of womanhood, expressed through the bold practices of five young female local artists. This exhibition delves into deeply personal and collective experiences tied to the bloodshed and blood shed of women. It examines themes such as menstruation, pain tolerance, endometriosis, and the ongoing cycles of inherited trauma and societal expectations passed from mother to daughter.

These topics, long veiled in silence and often stigmatised, are reframed here as essential realities that demand visibility and dismantling of taboos. Through engagement with the artists’ embodied practices, the exhibition challenges the persistent silence, neglect, and misunderstanding surrounding women’s bodies, as well as their lived experiences within broader cultural and artistic discourse.

In addition to these intimate explorations, About Bloody Times also addresses the shedding of blood as it relates to violence inflicted on women, rooted in objectification, sexual entitlement, and the desire to control – manifested in domestic abuse, and sexual assault. The exhibition highlights bloodshed as a symbol of trauma and resilience, while critiquing the systemic victim-blaming that follows these acts of exploitation and violence. It exposes the pervasive realities of gender-based violence and the archaic stereotypes that continue to shape women’s lives.

By presenting the female body as a site of power, pain, and resilience, these artists challenge long-standing preconceptions, tropes, and expectations imposed upon women. Their works span a field of expressions, from the introspective and contemplative to the bold and confrontational, capturing the multiplicity and complexity of female identity. Each piece serves as a vessel for personal stories of struggle and endurance, while forging a collective sense of sisterhood and solidarity.

At its core, About Bloody Times reimagines blood – not as a mark of shame, weakness or suffering, but instead – as an emblem of continuity and strength. This exhibition underscores the transformative role of artistic expression in confronting silences, healing wounds, and fostering empowering through visibility. By creating a space for dialogue and understanding, About Bloody Time calls for progress, encouraging both reflection and collective action in the face of entrenched gender-based inequities and harm.