Every Woman I Know

Every Woman I Know is a portrait series depicting every woman I personally know who’s been a victim of sexual violence, which I have developed for 3+ years now. Participants are photographed anonymously, and those who elect to take a public portrait are photographed both ways. Despite the safety of many voices and the movement of #MeToo, many women still do not feel comfortable coming forward publicly - this is visibly represented by how many women only participate anonymously. I give each participant blank paper to submit a handwritten account of their experience(s) in her own words, and a questionnaire that is entirely opt-in - I ask that participants only answer questions they feel comfortable responding to (for example: have they had more than one experience, did they go to the police, why or why not, did their attacker face any repercussions, etc.). This has created a secondary data/research collection component to this project. Presently, I have photographed 39 women for the project - only 4 have gone to the police (and 3 of the 4 were not taken seriously by law enforcement when they came forward, despite both completing rape kits); only 1 of the 39 has seen her perpetrator face repercussions for his violation of her space, soul, and body. I’ve also begun recording audio of the conversations shared during the portrait sessions for future exhibition and video purposes - in these exceedingly hostile times, the voices of women need to be echoed more than ever, our stories need to be heard, and through creating a space for women to safely and anonymously share their stories, we as a collective community are reclaiming our voices and breaking our silences on the all-too-common experience of sexual violence that so many women share. By standing together, we can change the perception that this is not a serious or frequent issue, and bring attention to how necessary a shift is in our society's values towards women. Creating art that empowers these women has been the singular goal I’ve had for the project, by giving them the opportunity to heal through speaking out on issues and experiences that have troubled them for too long. I know each time I share my own story, I feel lighter, less inhibited by the shame that society burdens victims with, and the women who have participated so far have said the same.

“I feel as if a heavy burden has been lifted and like I can finally move forward.” - Woman #23

“Thank you for being there for me and helping me through it toward understanding . . . you make me feel like my story is worth knowing.” - Woman #5.