Steph Bruzon

The question of bodily autonomy captured in the span of three debilitating–but necessary–days of shooting. This is my truth–and a truth that all women share. Always sacred, often enraging, occasionally akin to a crime scene: womanhood.

My (?) Body and The Wandering Womb

digital photographs with overlayed scanned drawing. both by Bruzon.

a photographic exploration of the ridiculing of the womb throughout history, as if it weren’t a sacred vessel–only a diagnosis of hysteria.

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My (?) Body and Motherhood

projected images with overlays by Bruzon.

A woman’s duty is first to mother herself–and then, if she so chooses, to extend that motherhood to another being.

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My (?) Body and Abortion

digital images with overlays and projections detailing abortion by Bruzon.

Realize that what you are asking is scars of my womb, blood that will traumatize generations to come. I will decide as The Creator under which circumstances to create. If you do not give me permission, I will give it to myself–and the blood will fill your streets.

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My (?) Body as an Invitation

photograph by Bruzon.

Just because I talk, look, or move a certain way does not give you the right to have me. The invitation is mine to give.

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My Body

digital photographs by Bruzon.

I declare myself the sole owner of my body. I declare all women the sole owners of their bodies.

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THANK YOU

To all women who are or have ever been. Your existence empowers me. Your history enrages but also inspires me. I dedicate so much of my work to you. These are not my stories–these are ours.

To my best friends for always showing up–from open mics to exhibitions, to helping me organize events, you have gifted me the power of true friendship.

To my little sister, an eighteen-year-old business owner (how do you like that, patriarchy?). My love for you is akin to that of a mother’s.

To my aunts and grandmother who in the absence of my father–and in all their grief–have continued to keep me rooted in the power of family. Without you I might float away.

To my mother who almost died giving birth to me and then again while raising me (I was the worst teenager). Mami, your love is the answer to most things.

And to the rest of my family and friends and all of you here today or tomorrow or at any point in my career. Your presence alone is a sanctuary for my art and myself.

Art is as much a conversation with the artist as it is a conversation with yourself. Thank you for showing up for the both of us.

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FINAL STATEMENT AND RESOURCES

May “My (?) Body” serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done. Just earlier this month in Florida, a law prohibiting abortions after six weeks “with few exceptions” went into effect. Since the overturning of Roe V. Wade, we have been living in a very Atwood-esque country. Here’s an Interactive Map of Abortion Bans Across The U.S. and a Resource for Abortions as well as The Suicide & Crisis Hotline because I know sometimes it gets to be too much. You are never on your own. I am here, too. Thank you again.