Opposites.

Bolton, England : 2023.

1 photograph : Fujicolour photographic print, lustre ; 42 x 29.7 cm.

Documented in the project zine : Whose menopause? (b33252166)

“We began talking about symptoms and side effects for those experiencing menopause or peri menopause, versus those in transition or who had transitioned. I didn’t realise how many opposites were at play and was intrigued to pull apart the menopause list. It quickly became clear just how many (for me personally) show total opposites. For example, no libido versus, increased libido. We decided to photograph a selection of items to showcase opposites. These ranged from everyday items such as red sauce vs brown sauce, to more poignant items. My favourite image showcases the testosterone hormone I must inject with, to retain my testosterone levels (suppressing oestrogen), alongside the oestrogen gel, often used to boost oestrogen levels for those in menopause. Two very different worlds, coming together to make one piece of art.”-- Anonymous, artist statement from the zine Whose menopause? .

This work is a visual legacy of 'Whose Menopause?' an Arts Council England funded project in partnership with Bolton at Home and supported by NHS Bolton CCG and Indigo Gender Service. It was a 12-month socially engaged programme of work during 2023, co-created with three community groups. The groups used photography and sustainable cameraless methods to challenge the typical menopause narrative, which often excludes people identifying as LGBTQ+, working class or from the global majority. They took inspiration from recipe books, botanical drawings, photographs and other ephemera in the Wellcome Collection - some of which can be seen in the project's resulting publication 'Whose menopause?'. For further information about the project see: http://www.margebradshawphotography.co.uk/whose-menopause.

Title provided by the artist.

Wellcome Collection 3338641i

Marge Bradshaw, Anonymous. All Rights Reserved.