# Masterful Menstruosities That Time of the Month Inspires Ugly Shyla to Shock With Art By Jessica Marcel | Published 2009-10-09 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ugly-shyla References: [craftastrophe.net](http://craftastrophe.net/2009/09/pictures-drawn-toilet-paper/) & [uglyart.net](http://www.uglyart.net/) Take a long look at the photo to the right before you continue reading, because I can only really go into so much detail about the…ahem…medium. Artist Ugly Shyla has taken performance art to a new level. While the immediate attention-grabbing factor is powerful, there are meaningful messages in these masterful menstruosities. (And they’re not all menstruosities.) Ugly Shyla combines art, politics, gender, and humanity into some seriously shocking statements. Recommended viewing, for those so inclined (and not shown here), is her artistic statement on female circumcision. You’ll never be able to pass by a story about it again. Shyla does not claim to be weaving a single thread of meaning throughout her work—and hasn’t articulated an artist statement—however, she understands the power she holds. “I know what the purpose of me making some of the things is, sometimes it could be to make people face the horror of what something really is. It’s one thing to tell somebody abusing animals is wrong, but you wave something that looks like a skinned cat in their face and trust me they will ‘get it’.” And oh, do we get it. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [DIY](https://www.trendhunter.com/diy) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Performance Art:** Exploring extreme and unconventional forms of expression through art, pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable and provoking strong reactions. - **Social Commentary:** Using art as a platform to address and bring awareness to social issues and challenges, sparking conversations and promoting change. - **Shock Factor:** Creating art that deliberately shocks and disturbs viewers, challenging their preconceptions and forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art:** Opportunities to disrupt the traditional art scene by pushing boundaries and introducing unconventional and controversial forms of expression. - **Activism:** Utilizing performance art as a powerful tool for activism, amplifying social messages and driving social change through provocative and impactful visuals. - **Feminine Hygiene:** Innovations in the feminine hygiene industry to challenge societal taboos and promote open discussions surrounding menstruation, breaking stigmas and empowering women. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sexuality-Exploring Artful Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rude-arts-club.md) - [Human Hair-Made Pots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/range-of-pots.md) - [Striking Urban Wildlife Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clare-allin.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Intricate Fiber Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/threadwork-women-redefining-fiber-arts.md) - [Menstrual Product-Celebrating Jeans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/u-by-kotex-maximalism-jeans.md) - [Uterus-Shaped Cereals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/period-crunch.md) - [Health Object Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/out-of-orifice.md) - [Anti-Gender Violence Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antigender-violence-campaign.md)