Image description: A pinkish-red brain fills the majority of the canvas, consisting of tube-like structures. Three veins wrap around and squeeze the brain while one ties the stem of the brain in a knot. There are two gunshot-like holes in the brain dripping dark red blood. A bright blue ice pack sits on top of the brain, unappearing to be helping. The background is a dark red-purple, with flashes of white stretching out from behind the brain.

Migraine

2020

by em laffey

This piece focuses on the debilitating effects of migraines and the invisibility of its nature. Though a physical disability, it is all happening inside the body, leaving room for others to dismiss or downplay it. A pinkish-red brain fills the majority of the canvas, consisting of tube-like structures. Three veins wrap around and squeeze the brain while one ties the stem of the brain in a knot. There are two gunshot-like holes in the brain dripping dark red blood. The restricting veins and gunshots are the overwhelming pain. The flashes of light are the sensitivity and loss of sight. The ice pack is the ineffectiveness of treatments. These all occur out of sight from others. A bright blue ice pack sits on top of the brain, appearing to be unhelping. The background is a dark red-purple, with flashes of white stretching out from behind the brain.

I am an undergraduate and first-generation college student studying Political Arts, including painting, poetry, and photography. I recently transferred from a community college in the suburbs of Chicago. My studies revolve around social issues, specifically institutional, as I also plan to study civil rights in law school after undergrad. I also work at the Institute for Research on Women and Gender here at the university and as an art teacher back home.

Image description: em is a young white woman with long brown hair. She is wearing a black shirt with a white vest and is smiling at the camera.