Addressing abuse through art
Exhibition puts spotlight on violence against women
HUNDREDS of people are expected to join artists and activists at the Castle of Good Hope in an exhibition that will honour the lives of women and children lost in brutal murders and rape.
The We Cannot be Silent exhibition, opening tomorrow, will shine a light on the ugly truth of violence against women and children in South Africa and will be open to the public, with the goal of supporting victims and survivors.
“We decided not to just have a one-day exhibition but carry it up until September 2,” said curator Yazeed Kamaldien.
“The exhibition is a creative expression of concern from us as artists saying we cannot be silent.
“We want to reflect on what is really going on. We want to create a platform where people can come together and be part of the change.
“We want to use this platform to restore dignity for the families of women and girls whose lives have been taken. What is happening in our society is sick, and we need help. Every week we are bombarded by news of women and children who are gruesomely killed: it is enough.”
Kamaldien has also made a film about 3-year-old Courtney Pieters, who was murdered, and how it has affected her parents.
“We believe artists have a responsibility to speak about the issues that face our society and that is what we are doing. We are encouraging conversations by bringing together artists and activists.”
The exhibition consists of a range of performances, photographic and printmaking images displaying the reality of abuse, and panel discussions are planned.
Wandie Mesatywa, one of the participating photographers, said she agreed to join the exhibition as she is a survivor of sexual abuse.
“I have experienced the same thing as the women who are seeking for healing,” she said. “I would like to hear someone else’s pain and experience and share mine, because that is the way we help each other heal. We need to open up, support each other and stand together,” she said.