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POSTER CIARA

Let's Talk About Rape by Jadwiga Brontē

The Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week

The Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week. February 5 - February 11

Let's Talk About Rape by Jadwiga Brontē

"Let's Talk About Rape" is a conceptual art project dedicated to breaking the silence surrounding sexual violence. Through the lens of photography and the therapeutic power of creative expression, this initiative seeks to empower survivors, challenge societal stigma, and foster open dialogue. Rooted in the belief that art can be a powerful medium for healing and advocacy, the project provides a platform for survivors to reclaim their narratives and rebuild their identities.

The inspiration for this project comes from my grandmother’s story. She was born as a result of rape, and her life was profoundly shaped by this experience. This personal history has motivated me to create a space where survivors of sexual violence can share their stories, find healing, and shift the narrative around sexual assault.

At its core, "Let's Talk About Rape" uses photography as therapy. By combining visual storytelling with survivor-led collaboration, the project provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can confront their trauma and channel their experiences into creative expression. The therapeutic aspect lies not only in the creation of the artwork but also in the process of being seen, heard, and validated without judgment.

The collaboration with survivors is central to the project. Each participant embarks on a deeply personal and empowering journey. Rather than traditional workshops, participants engage in quality time with me, before, during, and after the creation of their portraits. This approach fosters trust, empathy, and mutual respect, ensuring that every voice is authentically represented. Survivors have the freedom to explore themes such as reclaiming identity, confronting fear, and finding strength. The resulting photographs are not just works of art but powerful statements of survival and defiance against the stigma that often silences victims of sexual violence.

A key focus of "Let's Talk About Rape" is to shift the visual narrative from "victim" to "survivor." The portraits showcase strong women who have nothing to hide, sending a clear message that it is the perpetrator who should bear the shame, not the survivor. By presenting these stories in a public and artistic context, the project aims to empower other women to fight against the stereotypes and biases that perpetuate silence and shame. The project emphasizes the strength and resilience of survivors, showcasing their courage in reclaiming control over their narratives.

This project has taken me across the globe, collaborating with women from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, races, and religions. Participants come from countries such as Bangladesh, Colombia, Congo, Guatemala, Iraq, Ireland, Kenya, Kosovo, Kurdistan, Poland, Rwanda, Scotland, Ukraine, and the UK. Each survivor represents a unique narrative of resilience and strength, reflecting the various forms of sexual violence that exist in our world today.

Their experiences span a wide spectrum of violations, including rape as a weapon of war, conflict-related sexual violence, child sexual abuse, and date rape. By sharing their stories, these women not only reclaim their identities but also challenge societal stereotypes and taboos. Their portraits stand as powerful testaments to their courage, shifting the narrative from victimhood to survival and empowerment. This project underscores that the shame lies not with the survivor but with the perpetrator, fostering a new visual language of strength, dignity, and defiance.

"Let's Talk About Rape" is more than a project; it is a movement. It is a testament to the power of art to transform pain into strength, silence into dialogue, and isolation into solidarity. Together, we can break the silence, shatter the stigma, and stand with survivors in their journey toward justice and healing.

www.letstalkaboutrape.org

Empowering survivors, changing the narrative

Jakie Kisumu 2024
JAKIE - SURVIVOR FROM KENYA
©2024 Jadwiga Brontē & Jakie Kisumu 
Lets Talk About Rape Aline 2
ALINE - SURVIVOR FROM DR CONGO
©2024 Jadwiga Brontē & Aline Kanega
Lets Talk About Rape Consolee 1
CONSOLEE - SURVIVOR FROM RWANDA
©2024 Jadwiga Brontē & Consolee Nishimwe
Lets Talk About Rape Elena 1
ELENA - SURVIVOR FROM GUATEMALA
©2024 Jadwiga Brontē & Elena de Paz Santiago

 

Lets Talk About Rape Najma 1
NAJMA - SURVIVOR FROM IRAQ
©2024 Jadwiga Brontē & Najma Haji Khadida
Lets Talk About Rape Vasfije 2
VASFIJE - SURVIVOR FROM KOSOVO
©2024 Jadwiga Brontē & Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman
Olena 2024 Ukraine
CREDIT: Olena 2024 ukraine
OLENA - SURVIVOR FROM UKRAINE
©2024 Jadwiga Brontē & Olena Apchel

 

 

Jadwiga Brontē
Documentary Photographer / Visual Researcher / Lecturer

https://www.jadwigabronte.com/about/