IN THE ABSENCE OF BLOOD
MaiYap confronts the often-silent transition of menopause through an immersive installation that challenges the cultural stigma surrounding this profound life stage. Constructed from 1,000 flowers crafted from sanitary napkins, cardboard, and foam, her towering floral forms hang in rows and columns that occupy and transform the space. Completed over the course of nine months and utilizing over 32,000 elements, this in-situ installation presents a meditation on aging, the end of menstruation, and the enduring vitality of womanhood. It is as much an anthropological exploration as it is a personal and social commentary, drawing on both her experiences as a Chinese Panamanian woman and her five-year journey of research and self-reflection.
The installation’s central material—sanitary napkins—is recontextualized from a symbol of menstruation into one of transformation. MaiYap’s flowers, carefully crafted from these personal items, evoke the beauty and resilience of women who have transitioned to a post-reproductive phase, reclaiming the symbols of their youth in a space that acknowledges both loss and renewal. The materials, often hidden away and considered mundane, gain new life here, echoing her exploration of the paradoxical strength that emerges “in the absence of blood.” The sterile, disposable objects—usually discarded without a second thought—become lush, layered floral forms. Suspended in cascading rows, they create a contemplative environment that invites reflection on aging, resilience, and self-worth.
MaiYap’s personal journey, which she openly shares, is woven into every layer of this work. As she navigated menopause’s physical and emotional toll, from hot flashes and brain fog to shifts in self-perception, she turned to art as a means of processing these experiences. Her research into menopause’s effects on memory, mood, and the body revealed a spectrum of silent struggles many women endure—isolated by societal discomfort, overlooked in the workplace, and unsupported by medical resources. Through her installation, she strives to bring these hidden realities into public view, using the visual impact of hundreds of sanitary pads transformed into flowers as a tribute to women’s resilience and adaptability.
The towering scale of the installation reinforces the collective nature of this experience. Each flower is unique, yet together they form a unified field that speaks to the shared, often unspoken journey of countless women. The columns, like stalwart guardians of memory and experience, convey both the beauty and weight of this life phase. MaiYap draws on her heritage by incorporating elements of traditional Chinese values that honor familial legacy and feminine grace. Her reflections on her grandmothers, who embodied these qualities, serve as both a source of strength and a reminder of the continuity of womanhood—a lineage that endures and evolves through each generation.
The installation encourages viewers to challenge societal norms that prioritize perpetual youth and to appreciate the inherent beauty of maturity. It goes beyond visual art, acting as a cultural intervention that creates opportunities for community engagement, exchange, and dialogue about menopause and women's life cycles. By promoting intergenerational conversations, MaiYap’s work empowers younger women to approach this natural transition with understanding and confidence. As a result, "In the Absence of Blood" evolves into a dynamic entity—a space where art, education, and community come together.
Sophie Bonet
1,000 flowers made of sanitary napkins, cardboard, foam, glue and organza fabric.
Monumental Installation 18' x 19.5' x 8'
Ebb & Flow Exhibit curated by Sophie Bonet and Zee Lopez del Carmen
On view at The Frank Gallery in Pembroke Pines
601 City Ctr Wy, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025
November 21st, 2024 - February 22nd, 2025
