art with a womb: monica mayer

Monica Mayer, the fearless feminist artist from Mexico, has been blending art and activism since the 1970s, with a focus on women’s rights, particularly reproductive rights. Through works like El Tendedero (The Clothesline), she invited women to share their experiences of harassment, turning art into a platform for collective voices.

Her 1987 performance piece, Madre por un día (Mother for a Day), challenged societal pressures on motherhood, shedding light on the lack of reproductive choice. A champion of bodily autonomy, Mayer tackles reproductive rights head-on, using art to confront cultural expectations and political limitations.

Born in 1954 in Mexico City, Monica Mayer studied visual arts at the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas and further honed her feminist perspective at the Feminist Studio Workshop in Los Angeles. A pioneer in blending art with activism, Mayer’s career has been marked by her commitment to challenging societal norms around gender and reproductive rights. Beyond her art, she co-founded the Taller de Documentación Visual, a key space for feminist artists in Mexico. Mayer has also worked extensively as a writer, educator, and cultural promoter, using her platform to inspire discussions on women's rights and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on the global feminist art movement.

Mayer’s work isn't just serious critique—it’s infused with humor, as seen in her feminist collective Polvo de Gallina Negra. Here, she mixed satire and activism to engage a broader audience, showing that art can provoke thought while making you smile.

Her impact extends beyond galleries; Mayer has woven art and activism together, influencing public discourse on women’s rights in Mexico. As the country moves toward decriminalizing abortion, her work continues to shape the way society talks about reproductive justice. Monica Mayer is proof that art can be a powerful tool for change, turning silent struggles into loud, visible action.

This artwork, titled Our Lady of the Opening Eyes by Monica Mayer, presents a striking figure that evokes both spiritual and bodily symbolism. The intricate, layered details of the dress form suggest a complex interplay of femininity and religious imagery. The radiating halo and zip-like pattern down the center imply revelation or awakening, possibly alluding to women's empowerment or the opening of societal perspectives around reproductive rights. The repeated patterns emphasize both unity and disruption, inviting viewers to look closer, literally "opening their eyes" to deeper messages.

our lady of the opening eyes.