Merilyn Mushakwe 32 Harare

My artwork is a digital print that will be printed on canvas. It seeks to respond to the question, "What does menstruation mean to you?" At the core of 'I Create. I Nurture' is a depiction of internal female reproductive organs, symbolising the essence of womanhood and the power within.

Growing up, I was a tomboy who struggled with embracing my femininity. Puberty was a difficult journey, both physically and emotionally, as I was not prepared to embark on the path to womanhood. My menstrual cycle was an inconvenience that disrupted my daily life. It was irregular and accompanied by intense pain that occasionally forced me to miss school and activities. However, with different types of medication, my period eventually became regular.

As I matured, I learned to love my body and appreciate the changes it went through, including the menstrual cycle. When I accepted and celebrated myself as a woman, my body followed suit, and my menstruation became a symbol of my womanhood - sacred and powerful.

In my artwork, the ovaries are superimposed by the heart and brain, signifying the mental and emotional acceptance of my reproductive system. At the center, you will find the ankh symbol, known as the 'key of life' or the 'key of the Nile,' created by ancient Africans. It represents eternal life and the interconnectedness of our existence, which is birthed through women. 

Beneath the reproductive organs, I incorporated lotus flowers, symbols of spiritual enlightenment, beauty, fertility, purity, prosperity, and eternity. The pink lotus, in particular, represents rebirth and the beauty I have discovered in my new understanding of my Womanhood.

The moon, associated with fertility and female energy, is also present, acknowledging the connection between the lunar phases and the menstrual cycle. The use of the Shona term 'kuenda kumwedzi' adds a deeper cultural dimension to the artwork.

Flying towards these elements are two thrush birds, representing inner peace, devotion, fertility, and abundance. They symbolize the peace of mind found in accepting and nurturing my womanhood.

Crowning the composition are the Ndoro, striking spiral symbols that embody the cyclical nature of life and the universe.

In conclusion, menstruation has shaped my journey to womanhood. Initially seen as a burden, it has become a symbol of strength and self-acceptance. 'I Create. I Nurture' encapsulates the transformation from resistance to embracing, from pain to power. It highlights the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and emotional selves.