Kotex restores “Art’s Missing Period,” by bringing creative works previously deemed “too sensitive to view” to the public. The brand is standing up against the stigma that perpetuates censorship around periods by putting it on display in this new campaign, created in partnership with DAVID London and Ogilvy Singapore.
For centuries, when art has featured blood, it has often been displayed in acts of violence, and it is never too sensitive for viewing. Blood has flowed freely across canvases, been carved into sculptures, and immortalized in masterpieces. All types of bloodshed are featured. Except one: period blood.
Kotex recognizes periods do not hold us back but hiding them does. “Art’s Missing Period” sets out to rewrite that history by spotlighting art from around the world, including works dating back as far as 35,000 BCE and more contemporary pieces rejected by galleries and removed from public view.
“Visibility shapes culture, and we set out to change both,” said Genevieve Gransden, Executive Creative Director at DAVID London. “This is not just a campaign. It is a restoration of voices, narrative and art that deserves to be seen,” added Selma Ahmed, Executive Creative Director at DAVID London.
The campaign extends into a broad, cultural rollout, including:
· A short documentary by Emmy award-winning filmmaker, Kathryn Everett, narrated by award-winning journalist and producer, Noor Tagouri, which questions why society accepts blood depicting violence but not the blood of life and creation, and tells the stories of artists who have faced period stigma firsthand
· Out of home mobile billboard and wild postings placed outside museums, including the Guggenheim, MET, Whitney Museum, MOMA and more, bringing the work directly to the doorstep of the art world and turning the streets into an unmissable gallery
· QR codes on all out-of-home placements directing audiences to a virtual gallery that exhibits over 40 pieces of period-themed art and supports artists, galleries and exhibitions that host these works – on display for one year beginning April 6, 2026 at virtualgallery.com/kotexartsmissingperiod.
