Shattered (contemporary stories of surviving sexual violence) working with Rape Crisis (England &Wales) – Exhibition Hornsey until 12th December 2009

Posted on November 25, 2009
Filed Under 16 Days 2009 2008, Arts Event, Benefit, London, Violence Against Women, Women's Event, Women's Group | Comments Off

Shattered (Contemporary stories of surviving sexual violence) working with Rape Crisis, (England &Wales)
Human sized pots – built, then broken, then the slightly distorted pieces rebuilt again.

Artist: Claudia Clare
Venue: The Original Gallery, Hornsey Library, N8 9JA
Date: 18th November to 12th December 2009
Private View: Wednesday 25th November 2009, 6 to 9pm

Five years ago, after an incident involving a neighbour, Claudia Clare began researching women’s stories of surviving sexual violence. Although the research was local, what became apparent was that similar stories were repeated all over the world. Many of the women who talked to her had migrated to England from Europe, the Middle East and beyond. Shattered is an exhibition of five, giant sized, broken and mended clay pots, made to communicate the impact of trauma on the rape survivor, especially in the long term.

‘I was shattered, but now I’m slowly piecing myself back together again,’ is a statement Claudia heard repeatedly from women affected by violence.

Shattered responds to stories by women who have survived rape in war or in ‘peace’ (in their home or their work place); of the intolerable pressures of a virginity culture and its petty cruelties; incipient violations and stories told by those who have survived trafficking, or its domesticated version, grooming. The pots tell the forgotten stories, the ones the editors ignored.

Shattered celebrates survival, but is also a call for action.

The exhibition will be supported by talks and a film night; events will support Rape Crisis (England & Wales) and aim to raise awareness of the issues, to provide information and advice about available support.

‘It is a hugely misunderstood and underestimated area of concern. At Rape Crisis, we acknowledge not only the scale and extent of sexual violence but also the massive impact on the lives of survivors. Almost without exception survivors feel guilt, self-blame, lack of self-esteem, denial, disgust grief and anger. These reactions and how they are addressed are key to living beyond survival.’
Jo Wood, Rape Crisis

Special Events
* Private View: Wednesday 25th November 2009 at 6pm
The date chosen for the private view coincides with International Day Against Violence Against Women. Join us for a glass of champagne and hear speeches from Cllr Nilgun Canver, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Safer Communities; Professor Christie Brown, professor of ceramics, University of Westminster; Jo Wood, Rape Crisis (England & Wales); and artist, Dr Claudia Clare.
* Talking Pictures Film Night: Thursday 3rd December, 7pm – Nil by Mouth (1997) cert. 18
With astonishing performances by Gary Oldman and Kathy Burke, Nil by Mouth is a depressing and unnerving look at a family living on a council estate. This film will leave a mark.

For more information visit:
http://www.haringey.gov.uk/theoriginalgallery
http://www.claudiaclare.co.uk/
http://www.alexbrew.co.uk/

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