To Bend and To Shape
In this project I'm making connections between the representation of women’s bodies in histories of the witch hunts and in contemporary 'feminine' cultural myths. Silvia Federici frames the witch hunts occurring over several centuries in Europe and colonies as a genocide against women, to annihilate the power of the feminine (and poor, racialized, disabled) Other. The title references how the word ‘witch’ comes from the root word ‘wic’ meaning to bend or shape; materials, reality or consciousness. I thought about the power it takes to shift perspectives, as well as how women’s bodies adapt throughout, and in order to create, life. And how beauty standards tell us to shape, control and transform ourselves.