Novem

Abstract

Novem addresses the aftermath of Feminicide in Mexico. Feminicide is the killing of women because of their gender, in which outrageous acts of violence are visible. The term “feminicide” encompasses the imbalance of the gender power structures, and the corruption and neglect from the authorities surrounding these murders, manifesting in thousands of women and girls being killed each year. This attitude of neglect deeply affects the grieving processes of the families of the victims, hindering their possibility of overcoming the tragedy. The disruption of grieving processes is part of the aftermath of Feminicide, and I address it through textiles and materials rooted in my Mexican cultural background: rebozos crystallized with salt. The rebozo is a rectangular shawl associated with women’s gender roles and death practices. Salt is a purifying element linked to the belief that it prevents the souls of the deceased from being “corrupted” when they visit the realm of the living during Day of the Dead celebrations. I use these elements to subvert the negative portrayal of victims, and to enable activism and social engagement through the contemplation of mourning rituals within an artistic practice. Novem aims to create an experiential space wherein the silence of mourning, and painful whispered prayers mix, as viewers witness the works. My intention is to provide a quiet environment for contemplation and for sharing the distress and anguish of grieving families in Mexico. The ritualized processes used throughout my practice emphasize the conflicting, interrupted and unresolved emotions associated with Feminicide.