Under the Skin: Roots

My work explores body and nature as unity—through difficult intersections, Menopause reframed. Rejection of hormone therapy meets acceptance of natural cycle despite symptoms. As a liberation into wild roots, conscious living beyond patriarchal function.

Research describes menopausal symptoms as threatening: brain fog, sleep disturbances, depression, osteoporosis, hot flashes, dry mucous membranes, loss of libido, high blood pressure. All organs affected by hormonal changes. The symptoms of hormonal transition can indeed be more than unpleasant—yes, life-threatening.

Yet I reject hormone therapy—for feminist reasons. Women in (post-)menopause are often more determined, less willing to compromise. The awareness of this final life stage is inevitable. We are no longer willing to force ourselves into patriarchal systems. Liberated from reproduction, we express our opinions more freely, carry the awareness of our finitude. Estrogen would let us continue functioning—as always: as underpaid workers, as eternal mothers, as faithful wives.

For years I have been affected by these symptoms. I inform myself regularly about scientific findings. Advice such as more movement, breathing exercises, less stress, healthy eating and drinking—I take all this to heart. However, it does not help enough to truly alleviate the negative effects.

Over time, I made peace with this state. Not only do I seek solace in nature, but I build a deep connection with it again. I understand myself as part of it, the transition as a natural cycle. Engagement with wild herbs, production of my own remedies for this topic, sharing knowledge with other women—this became my most effective medicine.

Seeing the cycle as natural enabled reconciliation. I take time for only what is important: networking with people committed to a livable future, sharing knowledge. I experience my privileged life increasingly consciously, bathed in golden light.

The photographs show body parts and nature not as opposites, but as complementary, as one unity—but also at intersections and unfamiliar emotional states.

I use medical images of my body (MRI, CT and X-ray), merged with photographs of nature and from the internet. No AI involved.