Micaela Scholtz | TUTFADShowcase

Micaela
Scholtz

Biography

Micaela Scholtz is a researcher, visual artist, trained graphic designer, and lecturer at

Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. Her practice centers on female representations

and their profound impact on women living with invisible illnesses, particularly

endometriosis. In her master’s thesis, Visual Narratives Portraying the Lived Experiences of

Women with an Invisible Illness, Scholtz uncovered the raw truths of endometriosis,

employing visual storytelling to foster greater empathy and understanding. Through this

work, she argued for the creation of relatable visual spaces where women can share the

language of pain and illness via textual and artistic discourses. Now registered as a PhD

candidate, Scholtz expands her inquiry to develop a visual language that bridges personal

lived experiences of endometriosis with medical comprehension.

Endometriosis is a complex and chronic condition characterised by oestrogen-dependent, and

inflammatory driven lesions that primarily implant in the pelvic region. However, its effects extend

significantly beyond the bodily realm, impacting both mental and physical well-being. The

medical narrative frequently overlooks the lived experience of women with endometriosis, failing

to adequately reflect their realities. Consequently, encouraging the perception of endometriosis

as an unknown, and depersonalised condition. Its visual representation is therefore required

which acknowledges the inherent tensions between objective medical narratives and the

personal, embodied experience.

Dealing with the invisible condition, endometriosis, and immersed in the intuitive, creative

process in pursuit to quieten the mind or find a sense of release as catharsis led to the

engagement with the concept of ‘creative play’. Through the analytical lens of medical

professional, Dr Stuart Brown’s theory regarding play personalities, and from a personal

perspective; the selected, existing personalities (the creator, the collector, the explorer and the

storyteller) are employed as ‘steps for making in response’. Guiding the creative process to

visualise the medical understanding, shifting an abstract pathology to the personal, relatable

representation of endometriosis and its lived reality.

Keywords: endometriosis, phenomenology, creative play, visual art