Unsettled Law
The legal term “Settled Law” aka “Black Letter Law” refers to a law that is so well-established that it is no longer subject to dispute. “UnSettled Law” references Roe v. Wade and the legal threats underway to challenge this decision at the Supreme Court level. This piece resembles an archeological dig that reveals recorded abortion practices throughout history. The top layer is the decision of Roe v. Wade, woven together to create the durable construction of a “settled law”. The second layer is the dissent to that opinion. The third layer is the “penumbra” or shadows which refers to the implied group of rights protected by the Constitution. In Roe v. Wade, the penumbra is the “right to privacy” which is the basis for the decision. The fourth layer is of gauze, representing the fabric women have used throughout history to “stop the bleeding”. The fifth layer reveals historical abortion practices women have endured for centuries. The sixth layer uncovers activists at international abortion rights protests from the 1960’s to present. A viewer’s guide is available identifying the historical images uncovered in the piece.
Clay, wood, gauze, paper on wood panel, 28”x40” $1400
Viewer Guide
1. Replica Bas Relief at the Temple of Replica Angkor Wat, Cambodia, c.1150 depicts a demon employing the technique of abortion massage upon a woman who has been sent to the underworld.
2. 19th century Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock print
3. Soviet Anti-Abortion poster circa 1925 “Admonition against Abortion”
4. Cyrenian Coin with an image of silphium, a contraceptive plant, but was also used as an abortifacient.
5. 13th century illuminated manuscript of an herbalist preparing a concoction with pennyroyal for a pregnant woman.
6. Abortion in Malta circa 1066.
7. Ebers Papyrus 1550 BCE first recorded evidence of induced abortion. Egyptian artifact
8. Statement of Mrs. Curtis absolving the doctor of any wrongdoing in her abortion procedure should she die. Women were often forced to write a letter absolving the doctor of any guilt prior to her procedure.
9. Activist - present
10. Replica Roman Bas Relief midwife performing gynecological procedure.
11. Inverted “A” on Supreme Court column - St Thomas /Aquinas
12. Protest for Imelda Cortez, El Salvador. Imelda is a young girl whose 70 year old stepfather has been abusing her since she was 12. She is facing 20 years in jail for trying to have an abortion.
13. Abortion protest Poland.
14. Bottom left photos - abortion rights protests present
15. Artist and Daughter 2018 Women’s March, Monterey CA
16. Abortion Rights protests 1960’s and 1970’s.
17. Shirley Chisholm