The "A" Word

Abortion is a fundamental right. In the United States, its practice has been restricted in half the country. ‘The ‘‘A’’ Word’ sits between an art book and a visual manifesto, exploring the complex and pervasive imagery related to abortion in the United States. The urgency of addressing abortion rights globally is crucial, especially amidst rapid regressions. The project juxtaposes representations of abortion in Pro-Life and Pro-Choice imagery found in United States media, created in response to the 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade. It offers a critique of how this imagery shapes our collective consciousness through the reinterpretation and manipulation of visual codes. By exposing this collection of imagery, Seraphine Sallin-Mason aims to highlight how the pervasive and often polarizing imagery shapes public perception and discourse on abortion. The book invites readers to navigate this dense visual landscape, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities and emotional impacts of the subject. All of the images are numbered and cataloged in the book's detachable index. This book is a long-term project that originated in the context of ECAL’s photography BA, entitled ‘The ‘‘A’’ Word.’ This project aims to expand over the coming years by creating a series of works, including films, graphic design, sound works, collages, installations, and text-based works, all rooted in this photo book project.

Genesis ‘The ‘‘A’’ Word’ emerged from my research on abortion imagery in the United States. Media discourse and the dissemination of violent imagery surrounding this topic have polarized public opinion and significantly influenced public perception for decades. This project seeks to reappropriate and critically examine the existence and use of this imagery, highlighting the injustices caused by fetal harm legislation in the USA. The subject has been largely instrumentalized for political gain. The book was developed in the class “Editions Photographiques” with Rémi Faucheux and Mathieu Charon (RVB Books).

What’s Next RVB Books has confirmed their interest in publishing the book. We are currently seeking financing from festivals, competitions, private investors, and associations or the state. Maxime Barras at Cric Print in Fribourg, is my advisor on production costs to ensure the book is accessible to a larger audience. The book's binding is the result of this will to make it still an interesting yet affordable piece.