Date of Graduation
Spring 2024
Degree
Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies
Department
Art and Design
Committee Chair
Faith Benzer
Abstract
I knew from a young age that I never wanted children. Whenever I expressed my disinterest in motherhood, I was often met with bewilderment, disapproval, and hostility. The church I was raised in taught me that my value and worth as a woman directly correlated with the power of my birthing hips. This fundamentalist upbringing has significantly shaped my relationship with my femininity, my body, and my artwork. When I feel powerless, turning to my art gives me a sense of control and self-expression. This body of work began as a reaction to the overturning of Roe v. Wade and has evolved to encompass a broader theme about abortion and related topics that impact women. Within my art practice, I explore how a single symbol can be abstracted to create patterns and motifs to express different narratives surrounding abortion and femininity. I make 2D mixed media work using graphic design, digital fabrication, and other supporting processes and materials. My work reflects my relationship with the reproductive abilities of my body as well as my political beliefs. Abortion is a complex and heart-wrenching decision that should be made privately between a woman, her doctor, and possibly her loved ones. This is especially important as every situation surrounding a woman’s reason for abortion is unique and personal. Through my work, I advocate for open-mindedness, free speech, understanding, respect, and choice.
Keywords
abortion, feminism, fundamentalism, pregnancy, mixed-media
Subject Categories
American Politics | Art and Materials Conservation | Art Practice | Biblical Studies | Christianity | Fashion Design | Fine Arts | Graphic Design | Health Law and Policy | Health Policy | Human Rights Law | Law and Gender | Law and Politics | Law and Society | Medical Humanities | Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Other Religion | Painting | Political Theory | Printmaking | Social Justice | Supreme Court of the United States | Women's Health | Women's Studies
Copyright
© Erin Sedra
Recommended Citation
Sedra, Erin, "Body. Freedom. Choice: Creating Artwork in Post-Roe America" (2024). MSU Graduate Theses. 3972.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3972
Open Access
Included in
American Politics Commons, Art and Materials Conservation Commons, Art Practice Commons, Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, Fashion Design Commons, Fine Arts Commons, Graphic Design Commons, Health Law and Policy Commons, Health Policy Commons, Human Rights Law Commons, Law and Gender Commons, Law and Politics Commons, Law and Society Commons, Medical Humanities Commons, Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Other Religion Commons, Painting Commons, Political Theory Commons, Printmaking Commons, Social Justice Commons, Supreme Court of the United States Commons, Women's Health Commons, Women's Studies Commons
