A "bridal" in Spanish would be a bundle of zip ties, perhaps a bouquet; however, its meaning in English translates to nuptial. The use of zip ties has always been to immobilize, and it is frequently used by repressive organs to apprehend someone. This duality between control and celebration becomes a powerful metaphor addressing the vulnerability of human rights in contexts where child marriage remains legal and culturally accepted.

Child marriage primarily affects girls who are forced to marry before turning 18, a practice that violates their fundamental rights. According to recent data, over 650 million women worldwide were married as minors. This reality is concentrated in regions such as Africa and the Middle East, where factors like extreme poverty, cultural and religious norms perpetuate this practice. In countries like Niger, 76% of girls marry before 18, leading global statistics. In the Middle East, Yemen has a 30% prevalence of child marriages.

These girls are robbed of their childhood and face severe consequences: school dropout, labor and sexual exploitation, early pregnancies that increase maternal and neonatal mortality risks, as well as physical and emotional violence. Moreover, child marriage perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality, limiting access to education and opportunities for future generations.

The artwork Bridal uses the image of zip ties to symbolize these invisible chains that bind girls to an imposed destiny. The choice of material is not casual: zip ties represent physical restriction and social imposition. When grouped in the form of a bridal bouquet, it evidences the inherent irony in celebrating a union that is forced and deprives girls of their autonomy.

Child marriage is not just a cultural practice; it also reflects legal and structural failures. Although many international treaties condemn this practice—such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—legal exceptions based on parental or religious consent still exist. These legal loopholes allow millions of girls to be sold under the pretext of guaranteeing them a better future.

The artwork invites the viewer to reflect on these unjust realities and act to eradicate this practice. It is an urgent call to ensure that no girl is forced to marry before being emotionally and physically prepared. Only through female empowerment, universal education, and strict enforcement of laws prohibiting child marriage will it be possible to break this oppressive cycle.