Endometriosis is one of the second most common gynecological diseases and is associated with severe pain. This leads to additional tissue growth outside the uterus, for example on the ovaries, intestines or peritoneum. These endometriosis foci can grow and bleed with the hormonal cycle and lead to organ damage.
"I'm Hannah Zint, a photographer and I'm studying communication design with a focus on photography in Potsdam. I worked on the Hey Emma series for half a year. I'm affected by endometriosis myself and with this series I would like to encourage other women to let them know that they are not are alone as well as make a contribution to education.The series is also intended to help those not affected to better understand the disease.
The photographs in the series are staged images that artistically show the pain and how to deal with the disease.
I would like to encourage dialogue with the series "Hey Emma". In our society the subject of the cycle is still a taboo subject. Many women are embarrassed when a tampon falls out of their pocket, when they have a blood stain on their trousers or when they openly talk about their cycle.
In addition, people are quickly considered overdramatic when they talk about their menstruation and the extreme pain associated with it. Endometriosis pain is usually misinterpreted and the disease is diagnosed far too late. Although endometriosis has long been known, the cause is still unknown and there is no cure. My wish is that the silence be broken and the disease better explored.
For me photography is a mouthpiece – a medium to make the invisible visible. A medium that knows no social or linguistic boundaries. Through photography I can tell stories, bring people closer to moods and conditions and thus point out socially relevant topics. Photos often trigger something new in people and many people recognize their own story in photographs.
After the "Hey Emma" series was released, I received a lot of messages from women who felt encouraged and understood. This touches me and encourages me to continue to implement photo projects in the future that point to socially and socially relevant topics. "
You can see the entire "Hey Emma" series on Hannah Zint's website. The photographer is very happy to receive support, e.g. on Instagram or financially via her Kofi account.
Source: Endometriosis Association Germany,