Through various etching techniques, Brianna Byrne visually explores her past and present relationship with her own menstrual cycle. The artist confronts the inherited feelings of embarrassment and shame which were woven into her experience of menarche and puberty leading to a profound feeling of disconnect from her body since girlhood.
Byrne has created an edition of twelve prints inspired by photographs of the artist’s own menstrual blood stains. These prints aim to encapsulate the unique and simplistic beauty of each cycle as well as being symbolic of the stained and unkind bond between a child and her periods, an invisible heirloom given from mother to daughter.
The artist uses flower petals as a material and as a symbol within her practice to celebrate her journey of reflection and reconnection with her body as well as noting the power between cyclical living and nature.
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Installation view

In Bloom, soft ground copper plate etching, ink on Fabriano, 37.5 x 30cm

Menarche, soft ground copper plate etching, ink on Fabriano, 90 x 66cm

Installation view, twelve print series, spit bite aquatints, ink on Fabriano, 37.5 x 30cm each
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Installation view (detail)

At Saidbh’s House, from twelve print series, spit bite aquatint, ink on Fabriano, 37.5 x 30cm
Teaching Placements
Coláiste Chiaraín, Leixlip, Co. Kildare.
Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Co. Kildare.