Final year project
Movement [Read more]
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'It’s just that overwhelming sense of being unable to stop something once it starts that I hate. It's worse when it's in your own space, a violation of trust I guess. There have been many times when I have had sex with my husband even though I did not want to. Starting with a hug and a kiss, causing him to become aroused so quickly and suddenly having to make a decision about whether to continue or not when you’ve got a hard penis resting against your thigh. It has taken me a long time to feel strong enough to say ‘no’ at that point rather than simply just allowing myself to be used for his pleasure and his orgasm. That’s how I felt - used. Used in my own bed by the man I love. I have learnt to say ‘Let’s be clear before we even start anything I do not want sex’ and that seems to work, but I’m still angry about the times I just allowed myself to be coerced because otherwise he would sulk and be a fucking misery for days.'
-anonymous, age 56.
Underpass
'I was 17 at the time, on my way home from a night out. My friends were going to an after but I couldn't go with them, I had to get back otherwise mum would never let me hear the end of it. I vaguely remember starting to walk back. The road I was following went through an underpass and as I sobered up from the cold I just knew it wasn't a good situation to be in - empty street, dark bridge, young girl. I heard somebody walking behind me maybe five or so metres back, it was just like one of those budget horror films except I was fucking terrified. 'Fancy a bit of fun do you darlin?' Obviously drunk. 'Come on, let me at least get a look at that body, I'll show you a good time'. He was getting angry at me, as if I was in the wrong. 'Why don't you want me bitch?...fucking tart in that dress.' 'Jezzy' he then stopped still. He gave up and was no longer following me. Although I was out of danger at that point, I remember running all the way home that night. I don't think I have ever been that scared since.'
-anonymous, age 20
Issy Smith
Within my final major project, I have explored art that creates 'movement'. Currently, I am focusing on creating art that has a strong feminist theme, more specifically, sound and audio installations that recall stories of sexual assault. For my final project, I have accumulated photographs of places where women should have been safe, but instead were assaulted - e.g. parks, alleys, public transport, clubs, bars, schools, streets and homes. I believe that sexual assault is the ultimate embodiment of men using their divine power (granted by the patriarchy) over women and that in many ways, all men perpetuate rape culture.
Final year project
Movement