Eve’s Apple Project

A Call For Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Stories

Eve’s Apple Project is an idea for an art installation that I began to develop in the Fall of 2020 after watching a documentary on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). In this documentary, women and young girls told their stories about the physical and mental trauma of FGM/C and /or how they escaped FGM/C. By the time the documentary was over, I had completed the design for my sculpture titled, Eve’s Apple.   I put my research skills from graduate school to use and began gathering data on the cultural history of FGM/C, and the long-term physical and mental impact of FGM/C.  Most of the initial research data I found was on FGM/ C taking place in other countries.  As a middle school teacher, I’ve witnessed the United States become more global and culturally diverse, so it stands to reason that cultural practices would follow. My research led me to legislation that was passed by the United States Congress in 1996 stating that FGM/C is illegal in the United States. Despite the passing of Anti-FGM/C legislation in the United States, to date FGM/C is still happening in the United States. 

I understand the importance of using education as a catalyst for change and that there are many ways to educate.  Eve’s Apple Project will approach education through the lens of art.  I’m currently finishing the first stage of this project.  With the help of a local filmmaker, I’ve created a video calling for stories from young girls and women that have experienced or escaped FGM/C.  It is important that the stories are told in the voice of the women and young girls that trust me with their stories by participating in Eve’s Apple Project.  What I mean is these stories won’t be translated into English to cater to the English-speaking audience.  I believe, if I have the stories translated, I’ll take away the voice of the women and young girls that trusted me with their stories. I will design and create individual frames out of exotic woods for each story. These frames will take on the shape of a young girl/woman’s open legs. The sculpture Eve’s Apple will be at the center of this art installation. I envision patrons coming to Eve’s Apple Project Art Installation Exhibition and establishing a connection through the story that is written in their native tongue. I will make sure each story will be collected in any form that is comfortable for the participating women and young girls. Stories that are submitted orally will be played during the exhibition.  As Eve’s Apple Project Art Installation travels to different venues, I will continue to collect additional stories from women and young girls. These new stories will be included in the next exhibition at the next venue.

Eve’s Apple Project Story Submission Form

Please copy and paste your story or insert a link to your story in the “Message” field below.