Pain unseen
Narratives of Endometriosis
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A DIGITAL EXHIBITION ON ENDOMETRIOSIS
Did you know that 10% of individuals born with a uterus live with endometriosis? Despite its prevalence, the condition remains overlooked, forcing many to endure pain, infertility, and complex symptoms in silence.
Pain Unseen is a digital exhibition blending art, medicine, history, and personal stories to raise awareness and deepen understanding of endometriosis, sometimes referred to as “endo”. This exhibition is part of the EU-funded project #ENDOs under the Erasmus+ Education and Training program.
Top image: Hysteria by Rachael Jablo. Small image: Artwork by Ema Eygreteau. Photos by Isabella Reyes.
THE HISTORY OF ENDOMETRIOSIS
A Clinical Lesson at the Salpêtrière, 1887, by André Brouillet.
Unseen through the ages
Did you know endometriosis has a rich and complex history spanning centuries—from Ancient Egypt to today?
From Kahun Gynaecological Papyrus (1825 BC) to 19th-century dismissals as hysteria, societal perceptions have shaped how we understand this condition. Let’s uncover how history has influenced these views—and uncover why it still lacks the attention it deserves.
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Explore the Basics of a Complex Condition
What happens when a hidden condition impacts millions worldwide yet remains poorly understood? Dive into the essentials of endometriosis—what it is, its symptoms, and the medical challenges it presents.
“Breaking this silence” challenges the concepts, ideas and taboos around endometriosis Through artistic expressions.
Explore art exhibition “Breaking this silence”
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Rachael Jablo
Rachael Jablo is a chronically ill, queer, Jewish, Berlin-based American artist and educator who works with storytelling, photography, installation, and collage to discuss issues around illness, the body, and gender.
Jablo has created project and art installation Hysteria, where she interviews endos and creates artworks based on personal stories.
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Enora Keller
Born in Strasbourg in 1990, Enora Keller defines herself as a protean artist. She makes films, including "J'ai creusé dans mes cendres" (2022) and "Ma maladie imaginaire" (2023), a documentary series about her daily life with endometriosis.
Keller shows her daily life as an “endowarrior” through works such as 365 days in yellow, consisting of selfies taking during one year. -
Nathalie Man
A poet, author and street artist, Nathalie Man has been posting her poems in the public space since 2013. Alongside her wild postings, which she archives, exhibits and documents, she works on public commissions, runs writers' residencies and runs writing workshops.
In exhibition Breaking this silence, Man did a wild posting of poem “Nous somme infatigables”.
living with Endo
Veronica’s story
What is it like to seek an endometriosis diagnosis with limited specialised care? How do you cope with the mental weight of a chronic illness that may worsen and impact the possibility of having children?
Veronica’s story reflects on enduring intense pain, fears of infertility, and finding strength in community support.
Video language: Swedish. Automatic subtitles available.
Felicia’s story
Meet Felicia, who opens up about her journey with endometriosis—from the long wait for a diagnosis to the ways she manages her condition today. Her story offers a glimpse into the daily challenges of living with this illness and the support that makes a difference, from doctors and friends to beloved pets.
Video language: Swedish. Automatic subtitles available.
SPEAKING OF ENDOMETRIOSIS
How does language shape the experience of endometriosis? Ida Melander, Senior Lecturer at Örebro University, explores how words influence perceptions and understanding of the condition, drawing from her research on online forums, patient referrals, and social media.
Video language: English. Automatic subtitles available.
How recognition shapes lives
How does being acknowledged—or dismissed—affect life with endometriosis? Ina Hallström, PhD candidate at Stockholm University, investigates how social recognition shapes the daily experiences of those living with the condition through interviews with Swedish patients.
Video language: English. Automatic subtitles available.
Thank you
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For your expertise and resources
Ina Hallström, PhD Candidate in Gender Studies, Stockholm University
Katarina Steinfeldt Olbers, Founder of Barnendometriosfonden (The Children's Endometriosis Foundation)
Amanda Lindgren, CEO, Endogyn
Renita Sörensdotter, PhD in Social Anthropology and Associate Professor in Gender Studies, Uppsala University
Linda Hinners, Curator, Nationalmuseum
Ida Melander, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Swedish Language, Örebro University
Sebastian Brusell Gidlöf, Head of Department Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Karolinska University Hospital
Charlotte Keegan, Artist and Curator
Nathalie Viruly, Curator and Writer
Korento ry
Accelerator
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For sharing your stories
Felicia
Veronica
Ditte
Stephanie
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For contributing with your art from the exhibition "Breaking this silence"
Nadia Russell Kissoon
Enora Keller
“Hystera” Dr. Alicja Pawluczuk
Maëliss Le Bricon
Nathalie Man
Rachael Jablo
Corinne Szabo
Ema Eygreteau
Project Participants
The project is led by Le Laba. Partners in the project include Stockholms Kvinnohistoriska, Vulgaroo, Digital Narrative Medicine, Momentum Educate + Innovate, L'Agence Créative, Maynooth University, University of Turku, and Università degli Studi di Palermo.
With support from the Erasmus+ Education and Training program.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.