Be a butterfly

You are being invited to take part in a photography work as part of a PhD research project. Please fill in the form to consent and participate.
Please read the following information and do not hesitate to ask about anything that might not be clear.

Title of Project:
Feminist Activist Photography Practice: Photographing within the movement

Study description:
Both colour photography and the laws against abortion in Ireland were first formed in 1861, an era of emerging modernity that also saw the growing suffragette movement. Butterfly collecting was often seen as the appropriate hobby for the clergy or 'unmarried ladies'. Whilst butterflies are symbols of freedom, their capture reflects the harsh consequences of pinning down sexual behaviour. The purpose of this research is to insert positive, strong images of women into the discourse surrounding abortion. When finished, it will present a collection of at least 40 passport photo butterflies featuring activists willing to represent the 40 people a week who were forced to travel and find their own means of terminating their pregnancy. This project will aim to show that despite the enduring restrictions on abortion, feminism has also endured against state misogyny and violence. Activists are invited to have their portrait modified and included in this artwork online, this work will be used by the researcher for abortion rights campaigning and for publication as part of a PhD thesis.

The International Planned Parenthood Federation has noted the lack of appropriate imagery and the stigmatising effect of this lack[1], where foetal imagery or very pregnant women are used to illustrate abortion discussions. This research will provide engaging imagery of women willing to be seen as supporters of abortion rights.

Project Contact - Emma Campbell
campbell.emma@gmail.com 07894063965
Chief Investigator – Paul Seawright
p.seawright@ulster.ac.uk 44 (0)28 95367243

[1] IPPF (2015) http://www.ippf.org/resource/How-talk-about-abortion-guide-rights-based-messaging

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