Blog-Nagihan

In ‘Of Other Spaces’ article, Foucault mentions two spatial concepts: Utopia and Heterotopia. Utopias are defined as unreal spaces that are not integrated into the system they are in. Another space that can be considered as the opposite of utopia is heterotopy. Heterotopias are realized, applied, actualized spaces that contain contradictions, question the accuracy of the present, and are located outside of all areas, although they can be placed. Places that include more than one time and place in a single real space such as museum, library, cemetery, prison, retirement home, cinema can be examples of heterotopy. These spaces serve as mirrors to society. Heterotopias have a system of opening and closing that both isolates them and makes them penetrable. In general, the heterotopic site is not freely accessible like a public place. Either the entry is compulsory, as in the case of entering a barracks or a prison, or else the individual has to submit to rites and purifications. *

I thought about menstruation with different concepts and cases in the last week. My purpose was to find a path for creative thinking and writing for the class.  Menstruation and seasons  Menstrual synchrony  Menstruation and holocaust Menstruation and being a refugee Menstruation and space (microgravity environment) Menstrual madness  Although I liked searching for these new concepts, I realized after Elif Hoca’s feedback that none of them open up my creativity enough to conduct an artistic project. The question was how I can transform my research on menstruation into art… (I would say, drawing is a way of thinking and processing information. The more I draw, I'm sure my ideas will mature.) Then, I took notes about feelings and notions that awake within me when I think about each concept.  space (microgravity) zero nothingness emptiness existence life obscureness holocaust pressure violence strict harsh hard darkness refuge

Talking about woman's monthly period is still a big taboo in our society, while it is as natural as drinking water or breathing. It is very tragic to know that in many places around the world, women are confined to their homes and suspended from schools just because they are on their period. The common belief among the masses in these cultures is that a menstruating woman is unclean, so they are forced to live in small, isolated huts usually outside their houses during menstruation.  Some shamans and tribe women celebrate the menstruation by coming together. When women are in their period, they keep their hands off from daily work. Some believe that the periods of women who live together synchronize so, having a social gathering during the cycle could have a positive impact on the bodies and moods of women. Talking about woman’s monthly cycle is crucial to break the taboos which exist around menstruation.  While some artists, designers, brands and their campaigns have take

The first reason of why I am interested in women passionately is that I am a woman too. I love being a woman because this is the place that I feel safe and belong myself most. Exploring for characteristics that female body have such as; menstruation, giving birth and breast-feeding, is raising my awareness about myself and the other women. In my opinion, there is a similarity between balance of nature and female body. The menstruation cycle that we have every month is similar to seasons. Just as in the summer, we are more energetic in the ovulation phase. On the other hand, during the menstruation phase, like winter we become quieter and return to ourselves. Apart from physical qualities, we also have many particular talents and characteristics. While some of us more warrior, some of us are more in love or the other one is mother or more healer. The elevation of these talents and qualities became the essence of being goddesses. I believe that their rituals; like magic, prayer