ink, alcohol markers, color pencil; 20×16″
“It’s just anxiety.” A phrase known by millions of women across the nation, and a common diagnosis. Women sit for hours in discomfort, having experienced symptoms for weeks on end, waiting for their diagnosis. Many times, their concerns are dismissed for the easiest out. In my piece, a woman with brown hair, is sitting on an examination table, dressed in a hospital gown. She is clearly experiencing some frustration, even anger, biting her lip with her hand clutching at the table. The background, a “feminine” pink, to highlight how the subject is defined by her femininity in healthcare, despite her feelings about it. The big, orange text stating, “IT’S JUST ANXIETY,” takes up the same amount – if not more – space than her. Gender bias in healthcare is ever-present. I personally have anxiety, which has been used by multiple people – including healthcare professionals – to dismiss my concerns about other health problems. Everyday, there is a feminine-presenting patient whose concerns are dismissed or even labelled as hypochondriac.”
ARTIST BIO: Niko HATCHER is a grade 11 student at Butler Tech School of Art studying art under art teacher Mary Catherine Ruby.