The Fallopian Collection

s, controversies and complexities of the Female Reproductive System. From the second century AD, the Rennassaince period, and through the Middle Ages lasting decades into the 17th century; the female anatomy, the "womb" or uterus, was a topic of great speculation to be analyzed, puzzled over, and even blamed for, Hysteria. This was the first known mental illness afflicting women exclusively, and was eventually linked to demonology, sorcery, and witchcraft. Hysteria was said to occur when the uterus emited a foul poisonous odor and "wandered" about a woman's body -- known also as a "wandering womb." The most well-known case of Hysteria occured in Salem, Massachusetts during the month of February 1692, and is known to many as the Salem Witch Trials. In past work, as a female artist with diagnosed mental illness, I commonly look within to translate onto canvas my own personal expression of gender, mental illness, domesticity, life experience and emotion. Female imagery and forms are commonly present. Ironically, what began as a simplistic study of female anatomy lead me to a realization of undeniable likeness of form and structure between female internal anatomy and physiology and the external female likeness. Further research brought me face to face with issues of gender equality, stereotypes of mental illness and women all tied to our reproductive system! Within The Fallopian Collection, I will create a unique series of work where I delve deeper into depicting my study and exploration of controversial beliefs and ultimate discrimination throughout time tied to the life stages of women and our reproductive system. The execution and completion of this collection is timely for me, both professionally and personally. As a 45 year old mother of two daughters ages 18 and 12, I find myself guiding one into the complex realm of womanhood while I am guiding the other across puberty. Myself, my daughters and my aging mother all represent the broad spectrum of the life span and reproductive stages of women. In addition, professionally approaching the mid to late career level as an artist, my ultimate goal for The Fallopian Collection is for multiple solo gallery exhibitions drawing awareness to the female reprodctive system spotlighting its controversial history. Even in the preliminary stage, some gallery interest has already been expressed to me.Conceptual and thematic repetition of the basic uterine structure will serve to unify this body of work. Elements of each composition, although replicated, will uniquely vary according to the life stages, maturity and diversity of the individual woman represented. Repetition of the uterine structure will create rhythm, unity and pattern for the viewer upon observation of the collective entirety. The Fallopian Collection will consist of 10-12 completed 2-dimensional works of art that will include museum wrapped canvas as well as recycled materials such as gessoed wood panels and drywall. A diverse degree of mixed mediums including acrylic paints, charcoals, and oil pastels will be utilized. In addition, varying consistencies, fibers and textured mediums will also be incorporated. Each individual art work will be framed, wired and ready for installation.


♥ £isa

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Lisa Deneka
Lisa is a professional mixed media visual artist. She has a BA in Fine Art. "Art is my voice & I choose to speak loudly for all to hear"