The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among young people, particularly university students, made this topic an area of interest to us as it is relatable and relevant. We focused our collaborative research specifically on Gonorrhea  – a bacterial infection that often has a negative stigma – so it is not spoken about and we feel it is important to change this.

Gonorrhea can be spread from mother to baby during childbirth. If left untreated, pregnant women have an increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Babies born while the mother is infected can get eye infections that may lead to blindness and in our artwork we chose to represent this devastating aspect of the infection by blindfolding a newborn with Gonorrhea.

We swaddled a doll with a sheet covered in a microscopic bacteria pattern. The sheet represents the common place for sexually transmitted infections to be passed. We have contrasted the repellent effects of Gonorrhea with a cosy pretty pattern painted in pinks and reds-the colours the bacteria appears on a microscopic slide. The tight wrapping of the doll signifies the suffocation of this infected newborn – that the child has no choice in the matter.

In our group’s background research we learned about the similarities and differences in treatment of the same condition across the globe and the significant impact of varying social attitudes towards sexual health. Accessibility in Healthcare with regard to STI’s is also hugely significant in prevention and treatment.