Ayesha Saleem

This project explores the emergence of gendered stigma surrounding perceptions of infertility and its impact on personhood and self-identity.

Working across two parts, it first examines how cultural language, metaphors and symbolism shape our perceptions, drawing inspiration from historic fertility figurines, most notably the ‘Venus figurines’. The second part takes a participatory approach through a creative clay workshop, inviting participants to represent their lived experiences and explore their impact on identity.

The project culminates in an exhibition showcasing these artefacts as forms of self-expression and communication, encouraging wider audiences to question their own perceptions of infertility, challenge cultural assumptions and recognise the deeply personal impact of stigma on those affected.