Legacy of Resistance, Future of Change: Addressing historical and current struggles rooted in sexually transmitted Infection
Keywords: Ethics, Futurity, Illustration, Typography
The struggle against sexual inequality is longstanding. Historically, women have often been relegated to secondary roles, bearing a disproportionate burden of the consequences of sexual behaviour. This dynamic has perpetuated gender inequalities in health and social standing. Inspired by the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, I reflected on the unseen nature of the hero, swallowed by an STI monster and saved by Athena with a Penicillium tree. Sexual inequality often stems from deep-rooted power imbalances and societal norms, requiring both cultural shifts and structural changes in policies and practices. “The Book of STIs,” inspired by the Hunterian Museum, explores the aesthetic beauty of the infections, and whilst highlighting medical advances, reveals how marginalized individuals, particularly women, still face these threats. I used Letterpress printing, which has historically fostered intellectual and cultural revolutions, as a means of advocacy that has challenged the status quo and promoted social change. To ensure accessibility to a broad readership, the book adopted a juxtaposition, presenting both an aesthetic appeal in contrast to the inherent horror of the disease. This collection not only engages readers visually but also underscores the gravity of the subject matter through a harmonious blend of beauty and stark reality.
Hunterian Museum. (2024). Hunterian Museum. Available at: https://hunterianmuseum.org/ (Accessed: 29 September 2024).
Theoi Greek Mythology. (n.d.). Jason & Colchian Dragon – Ancient Greek Vase Painting. Available at: https://www.theoi.com/Gallery/M20.1.html (Accessed: 29 September 2024).
World Health Organization (WHO). (2024). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-%28stis%29 (Accessed: 29 September 2024).
Book of STI’s, letterpress and linocut on paper, hand bound book