We had the pleasure of speaking with Busiswa Mazwan to gain insight into the significance of her artwork, particularly about her collaborations with Viva Con Agua South Africa and Let’s Talk Periods.
By: Mihlali Jijana
WHO IS BUSISWA
She is a young and creative photographer who showcases her art on sculptures, paintings, and canvases.
“HOW LET’S TALK PERIODS & VIVA CON AGUA SPEAK TO MY ART”
During the “Let’s Talk Periods & Viva Con Agua South Africa” exhibition, Busiswa shared her perspective on the role of art in everyday life. She expressed that art can be found in various forms such as writing, fashion, and even menstruation. According to her, menstruation is a natural and beautiful phenomenon that should be embraced by everyone, regardless of gender. She also pointed out that menstruation is an essential aspect of human creation.
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“MY OBJECTIVE WAS TO EMBRACE PERIODS”.
Her art and paintings were mainly focused on empowering women. She highlighted the importance of easy access to free pads and clean water during menstruation, as well as the taboo surrounding period conversations. That raises the question of why condoms are free but pads, which are essential for women’s health, are not. She believed that period conversations should not be a taboo topic and should be discussed openly, not only among females but also males.
She aimed to shift the norm of young girls feeling embarrassed about their periods and being made fun of when they leak their clothes. Instead of shying away from the mood swings and changes that come with menstruation, she encouraged people to embrace it and understand that it is okay to cry. She also emphasized that women should support other women. Among other artists was a male figure SeIlo Ronald Letswalo whose angle was that the support should not only come from one gender but both in prompting women’s health and wellbeing.