Academic lead Dr Lesley Murray, Professor in Spatial Sociology in the School of Humanities and Social Science at the University of Brighton, says that the aims of the project are twofold:
“Firstly, it uses a different approach, based on stories instead of crime statistics which often underplay the incidence of gender-based violence, particularly more common forms such as catcalling and touching.
“The project also aims to promote a trans-national dialogue. Gender-based violence is a global issue shared predominantly by women and girls, including trans women and girls, across the world. The exhibition in Mexico showed that raising awareness can initiate the process of recuperation.”
University of Brighton Creative Writing alumni Tanaka Mhishi and Mercy Roberts, and current PhD student Vicki Painting have work exhibited alongside Rosy Carrick, Ottilie Hainsworth, Karolina Jonc Buczek, Sabba Khan, Roszita Parker, Betsy Greer, Woodrow Phoenix, Chris Reading, Sophie Kathleen Stevens, Jemma Treweek, Sarah Ushurhe, Elijah Vardo, and Ruschika Wason Singh.
The Mexican artists involved in the project are Julia Antivilo, Ana Barreto, Dora Bartilotti, Alejandra Collado, Dahlia de la Cerda, María Antonieta de la Rosa, Karla Helena Guzmán y Valeria, Ysunza Pérez-Gil (Colectiva GeoBrujas), Sonia Madrigal, Barbara Muñoz de Cote and Frederick Rodríguez.
The exhibition, which opened in Mexico on 14 October has proved popular with visitors expressing surprise that domestic violence is an issue in other countries. One of the visitors said:
“The works shown make me feel that it doesn’t just happen to me and the women/girls that I know. All of us, regardless of place live the same violences.”.
Running alongside the exhibition will be a series round-table discussions, workshops with artists and guided tours. Free tickets are available through Ticket Source.
Trans-sensory stories of gender-based violence: I feel, therefore I resist is at City Campus, 58–67 Grand Parade, Brighton BN2 0JY from 14–18 November 2023 everyday 10am–5pm.
Private view (by invitation only) 13 November at 5pm.
For further information and to book roundtables and workshops, email C.R.Matthews@brighton.ac.uk.