Flow

Flow is an homage to the sole tissue in the human body that heals without scarring, and the fluid that accompanies it; menstrual blood. Throughout a menstruating person’s life, the endometrium sheds and seamlessly repairs itself up to 400 times. Scientists are beginning to speculate that knowledge of menstruation and menstrual fluid could lead to advancements in other areas of medical science, such as clotting and wound treatment. But, centuries of taboo have stunted these advancements and slowed deepened knowledge of menstruating persons’ reproductive health.

In Flow, the flutist performs ever-growing musical cells, before “shedding” them, never repeating the material exactly as it was initially presented. The piece culminates with quotes from the hymn “There Is Power in the Blood.”

Recorded by Steph Dressler