“Women should be able to feel safe…”
In the fight against gender-based abuse and violence, words hold immense power. This year for 16 Days of Activism our campaign is all about illustrating how words can empower and validate victims and survivors, while also holding perpetrators accountable. Language shapes how society perceives abuse, trauma, and recovery, and how we collectively work to end abuse and violence. Yet, words are not the only language we can use to express ourselves. Art, too, is a profound form of communication. It transcends barriers and can help victims and survivors to reclaim their stories in powerful ways.
As part of our 16 Days of Activism campaign this year, we partnered with The Wolverhampton Art Gallery to host a special art session with some of the women we support. This creative collaboration provided a space for them to explore their vulnerability and resilience through visual expression. The results were thoughtfully crafted works of art that tell stories of pain, hope, strength, and healing.
Art becomes a voice when words fall short. For victims and survivors, it can be difficult, or even impossible, to articulate the complexities of their journey in spoken or written word. Trauma can leave a lasting silence through feelings of brokenness and vulnerability. Art offers a way to break that silence and to embrace that vulnerability. Whether through painting, drawing, sculpture, or mixed media, victims and survivors can communicate feelings and experiences that words might obscure or fail to capture.
The Process: We explored various art pieces including ‘Andromeda’, we contemplated themes of adversity and overcoming challenges.
Click on the images below to enlarge
A Journey Beyond Fear
“I am on a beautiful journey. One day I will be outside again. One day I’ll be able to smell the flowers again. One day I will be able to feel the sun shine on my face again. And I will do all these things without looking behind my back or feeling afraid.”
Deer Courage
“The deer is me and the hidden squirrel is my daughter. She is hidden because of fear. She is scared because everyone is fighting with her mummy.”
Deserve Joy
“I am starting to realise that I deserve to enjoy life. It is okay not to be okay all the time. I can express feeling without fear of being judged. Love who you are. Do you!”
Dreamscapes
“The pictures I cut out show what is on my mind; my dream home where I can start my new journey, and if I ever get married again, I would like to go on a cruise with my new husband. I have faced too much darkness in my life. I am looking forward to the light.”
Get Cosy
“This is about new beginnings. I am dreaming of moving on and thinking about how I would like my new house to look. I would love for it to be really warm and cosy, with nice smelling candles.”
In Grieving Colour
“I lost my grandpa earlier this year, and he was my best friend. I decided to reflect on my grief inspired by a quote from a nature magazine – The larger the tree, the longer it will need tender loving care. Our bond was so great that the grieving process is harder.”
Nostalgic Escapism
“Is it healthy to be stuck in the past? This is about escapism and nostalgia. I’m talking here about how it can feel to live in the past. While sometimes its bad, its nice to remember the moments of joy.”
Big Ocean
“It is like living in a dirty pond without thinking about the big ocean. We get so used to the “dirt”. We are easily manipulated, and sometimes even when we find the courage to leave, we go back to the dirty pond because it is familiar. I am in the big ocean now and my little one loves the big ocean.”
The Colour of Hope
“I have made a colourful collage about my life and what I have gone through. My situation made me strong and brave. Now I love myself more and feel more confident.”
The Façade
“What you see on the outside is not the same as what is going on inside. I try to cover my feelings up with make-up and fashion but in the end, I can’t help but wonder where did it all go wrong?”
The Introduction: Team Haven meeting ‘Andromeda’ for the first time.
Why Art Matters in Healing
Art is inherently validating. This process was inspired by a piece of art by Sara Page titled ‘Andromeda’. Andromeda currently sits in the basement of The Wolverhampton Art Gallery where Arts Educator, Curator and Freelancer Jon Sleigh is currently working as a catalyst for dialogue and change through art. He felt compelled to share Andromeda’s story with the women at The Haven, recognising the potential for this powerful artwork to serve as a source of validation and empowerment for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
Andromeda, a princess in Greek mythology, was offered as a sacrifice to appease the gods, leaving her chained and powerless. Her story resonates with victims and survivors, who often experience similar feelings of helplessness and loss of control. Much like Andromeda’s rescue by Perseus, organisations like The Haven provide essential support, empowering vulnerable women like Andromeda to regain their agency as they recover from the trauma of abuse.
When discussing Andromeda’s story, the women in unison identified with a range of intense emotions, including feeling “trapped,” “stripped of all dignity,” “sadness,” “loneliness,” and “bearing shame.” These shared experiences highlight the devastating impact of abuse on their lives and the common struggles they face while on their healing journey. Reflecting further, one woman saw Andromeda as a symbol of her own quest to be “free to live authentically”. Andromeda’s eventual rescue and liberation served as a powerful metaphor for her own aspirations to break free from the constraints of her past and embrace a future of self-determination and fulfilment.
Through the art that they subsequently created; the women were able to reclaim control over how their stories are told. They were able to reclaim some of the autonomy and agency they lost due to the abuse they endured. These pieces are their narratives, expressed in their way, without judgment or interruption. This aligns seamlessly with The Haven’s theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism looking at why language matters. Just as the words we use shape the world and more specifically our response to victims and survivors, the art that these women were empowered to create shapes how they understand themselves and their experiences.
Furthermore, art invites empathy and connection. We hope that these pieces of art created in pro bono collaboration with The Wolverhampton Art Gallery and the amazing artist Sadie Barnett speak not only to those who created them but also to everyone who views them. They challenge stereotypes about victims and survivors, they confront societal stigmas, and demand accountability from perpetrators. Art communicates truths that are often uncomfortable but necessary, pushing us all to consider our role in ending gender-based abuse and violence.
Blooming Resistance
The Intersection of Art and Activism
Art is not just a medium for personal healing. It is also a powerful tool for activism. As Architect of Stories, I was able to reflect on this intersection through the art that I created in solidarity with the women who participated. I chose cherry blossoms as the backdrop for my art not only because they are my favourite flowers, but they also symbolise society’s association of femininity with fragility. Amidst the blossoms, I placed bold lettering cutouts from magazines with the words “heal” and “I won’t stay silent.” The latter phrase pays homage to Andromeda, for making the opportunity possible.
This artistic expression represents how my personal healing journey led me to embrace advocacy and activism. It symbolises my commitment to using my voice to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. The process of healing is integral to activism, as it empowers us to advocate for change while emphasising the importance of self-care and personal growth in building a better world.
Art, as a powerful form of self-expression, can play a significant role in this process by providing a cathartic outlet for emotions, creating a shared connection, and cultivating empathy. This was certainly a cathartic experience for me. By healing through art, we not only develop the strength to support others but also inspire meaningful change in our communities.
Throughout history, movements for change have harnessed the power of creative expression to amplify marginalised voices. Our 16 Days of Activism campaign illustrates why language matters, not just in the words we speak but also in the images we create. By sharing the art created by survivors, we honour their voices and celebrate their strength and bravery.
Through this campaign, we hope to inspire conversations about the many ways survivors communicate their truths. We aim to encourage language, both verbal and visual, that empowers, validates, and transforms. Art reminds us that every survivor’s story matters and that every brushstroke, line, and color is an act of courage.
Join Us in Empowering Survivors
We invite you to view and share the artworks created for this campaign. By doing so, you become part of a movement that prioritises survivor-centered language and action. Whether through words or art, we all have the power to amplify voices, validate experiences, and demand accountability.
Together, we can ensure that every survivor’s story is heard—whether told through language, art, or both. Let’s continue to Orange the World and use every tool at our disposal to advocate for change.
To find out more about how you can Orange The World with us click here.
