Rose by Jia Dunsby (South Korea)

Artist's Description: 
I believe this photograph is best suited with the section “A Feminist Future”. I took this
photograph in the Outdoor Seoul Botanical Garden as the flowers began to blossom in the
Spring. To me, the rose blooming represents my hope for a season of empowerment and growth
in feminism across the world. With the onset of more feminist groups and social media
campaigns, we have become closer to transforming power dynamics and policies.

Furthermore, a rose is often used to symbolize female reproductive organs, with various
cultures and artistic representations using flowers to represent fertility. Through this photograph,
I aim to draw attention to the recent efforts to combat legislation restricting reproductive
healthcare. I believe that autonomy over reproduction is the key pillar of the overall health,
empowerment, and human rights of women. The beauty and intricacies of the rose pattern in
the photograph alludes to the physical and emotional significance of womens’ ability to control
their beautiful bodies.

I also think that the photograph pairs well with “A Past of Protest” as well. The rose also
embodies the years of strength, resilience, and vitality demonstrated by women who fought for
their rights in various facets of life, such as voting and workplace treatment. Both the vibrant
energy radiating from the rose and its ability to grow in various conditions, from lush gardens to
harsh environments, speak to its power to overcome challenges and thrive. Similarly, over the
past few decades, women have been able to use their powerful spirits to combat sexism with a
drive for change.
​

Isabella (Jia) Dunsby is a student at Seoul Foreign School in South Korea and will graduate
in 2024. She enjoys creative writing, economics, photography, and jazz music on rainy
nights. Her work has been published or is forthcoming in Polyphony Lit, Apprentice Writer, Blue Marble Review, and Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine.