Isabella Potenza

Proposal:

Normalising the Natural
A series of photographs that explore femininity, sensitivity, the physical and the natural. In society, menstruation is still considered somewhat of a taboo and is visually not recognised or accepted as natural and normal. Blood is usually associated with violence, anger and pain, whereas menstrual blood needs to be differentiated and seen as normal. This is an attempt to visually recognise the abstract sensitivity of menstrual blood, in union with what we consider as beautiful and feminine; flowers. It is not an overt, obvious representation of menstruation because in its nature; it is a private and intimate process. However, the blood is recognisable because society cannot live in denial any longer. Menstruation is a monthly reality for all women, yet it is considered as “disgusting” and “scary” by society. Whereas, menstrual blood is actually beautiful and feminine, this is an attempt to show that and by doing so; question society’s current perception of menstruation.

Biography:

Well, I’m 17. So I haven’t had much going on since the whole school thing has kinda got in the way of life. But I have done a few things that I’m proud of: Last year I started a project called YAM – the Youth Arts Massif which is basically 60 bright kids (ages 15 – 20) from all over Joburg who wanted to get involved. We call our collective an – independent, self-representative platform for young South African multi-disciplinary artists. My idea was that the youth should make something by themselves without affiliation to any institutions – the youth represented by the youth, with no well-established banner above their names. I wanted us to learn how the art world works through our own capacity; meeting, networking, coordinating, curating etc. I wanted young people who are serious about art to have a foot in the door – we’ve almost made it! We successfully created an exhibition in April that received a large turnout, much encouragement and praise.
Otherwise, I’m still at school, I get a few distinctions here and there, cry from the constant stress, write incredibly tedious art essays and basically; I’m just trying not to get too consumed with love and the troubles attached. I guess if you’ve got to this point, you’d like to know general information about me that pretty much summarises me. I was born at the Joburg Gen and I’ve lived in Troyeville for the majority of my life. I go to Sacred Heart College, I’m young for my grade (12) and I like poetry the most. The one thing that I seriously care about is food security in SA and I aim to do everything I can in my future to work towards it. There you go! Nice to meet you.

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