Before looking into Xandra Ibarra’s website, I knew very little about her work and artistic style. After browsing through her artwork, I was quite literally shocked by some of her works. It is apparent that she has a unique vision when it comes to her art and I would go as far as to say that she intends to take her audience outside of their comfort zone. She uses representational images and it appears she likes to tackle topics and images that tend to be taboo topics amongst traditional cultures. From erotic imagery, images of genitilia, and my personal favorite was this image “She’s on the Rag” in which she shares images inspired by menstrual cycles. Ibarra took it even further by using her own menstrual emissions to create these pieces. The menstrual cycle is typically a taboo subject among women and those who menstruate. There is often a shyness when discussing it in public, and oftentimes even discussing it with medical professionals. When I first saw this work I did feel a bit uncomfortable and uneasy, especially after reading the means by which it was created. After analyzing the image and processing my thoughts however, I have come to appreciate the vision Ibarra has and how she confidently created and presents this piece. The human body has so many functions and as women we experience so many physically and emotionally debilitating effects from our menstrual cycles. We often forget how we strongly overcome those difficulties and we forget how to feel confident while on our cycles. This piece of work contradicts that. It represents how powerful, strong and confident our bodies are and how this should be independent of what society deems taboo or not. Even when on our cycles we should be reminded of how unique and strong we are.
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