Articulo 6: Narratives of Gender, Strength, and Politics

ARTICULO 6: Narratives of Gender, Strength, and Politics is an activist design project that aims to raise awareness about the case of forced sterilizations implemented during the government of Alberto Fujimori in Peru.

The name of the project refers to the sixth article of the second chapter in the General Health Law of Peru, which establishes that "all persons have the right to choose freely the contraceptive method they prefer, and to receive appropriate information on the methods available and the risks." ARTICULO 6 consists of a collection of thirty-four pieces of clothing and twelve actions. The project explores different narratives related to the case of forced sterilizations, and uses the testimonies of the victims, fragments of political speeches, research documents and laws, as well as other textual and visual content, as raw materials for the project.

The clothing collection is made through mixed media, using embroidery and prints on cotton twill and cotton canvas. The collection is inspired in the Andean polleras (skirts), and is the result of a process of deconstruction and reinterpretation. The blouses and suits that complement these pieces reference the uniformization and militarization of a public policy, aiming to evoke the strength and capacity of victims to defend themselves and overcome the irreversible. The images and symbols printed in the fabrics comment on the universe of institutions, activists, press and characters related to the case.

The twelve actions of the project are developed through installations, performances, meta-garments and collections, exhibitions, film, photo shoots, lectures, and workshops. For more information on the project, visit www.articulo6.pe