Groundbreaking Exhibition Breaks Menstruation Taboos and Seeks to End Period Poverty

To mark Menstrual Hygiene Day on 28 May and raise funds for Bloody Good Period, Zebra One Gallery will unveil
acclaimed artist, Rebecca Fontaine-Wolf’s brave and beautiful show, Daughters of Medusa, at Old Street Gallery –
it explores the mythology of strong and “fearsome” women, whose powers must be contained and aims to break
taboos about menstruation.

Zebra One Gallery will unveil acclaimed artist, Rebecca Fontaine-Wolf’s brave and beautiful show, Daughters of Medusa, at Old Street Gallery – it explores the mythology of strong and “fearsome” women, whose powers must be contained and aims to break taboos about menstruation.

The exhibition features bold, figurative paintings of women – both self- portraits and subjects Rebecca knows – inspired by the mythological characterisation of women’s cycles, as well as personal stories and experiences.

She explains: “Medusa is a symbol of woman as the other. Beautiful and pure on the one side and monstrous on the other.

“This image exists in many different forms and is one we’ve carried culturally for millennia. It still shapes our views of womanhood and is inextricably linked with menstruation; the inherent ability to hold the cycle of life and death within oneself.”

The power of the female gaze – which plays such a vital part in the story of Medusa – serves as one of the main focuses for the series of paintings. Even in Medieval times, it was believed that a glance from a menstruating or menopausal woman had the power to poison, or even kill. This illustrates the immense threat perceived not only from women’s menstrual blood, but also from female power itself, which still exists in many forms today.

Daughters of Medusa reflects on the positive power and creative potential present in this primal aspect of womanhood, which is still veiled in fear and shame today. The mixed emotions most women in today’s society still have towards their bodies and themselves, especially on those thresholds of change during the menarche and menopause, exemplify Medusa’s legacy.