Artist Statement
For this poster, I create a stark and impactful depiction of femicide and the depression that many women are forced into by men, often within their own families. Drawing inspiration from Elina Chauvet's "Zapatos Rojos," I reflect on the pervasive violence and bloodshed against women through photo illustration and risograph aesthetics.
The central image of a sad, young woman hugging her knees to her chest, seated in a large, red high heel held by a blood-dripping hand, symbolizes the silent suffering and the invisible scars borne by countless women. The shoe, partially submerged in a pool of blood, serves as a powerful metaphor for the lives lost and the ongoing suffering. The shadowy face of a man looming in the background represents the oppressive power dynamics and the constant threat of domestic abuse.
Understanding the significance of these symbols, I depict this dichotomy but incorporate the potential of misdirection from societal norms and expectations. With its inherent imperfections and rawness, the use of risograph textures mirrors a similar feeling to those trapped in these situations. By putting the concept of femicide and domestic abuse at the forefront, I reinforce the urgency and gravity of this issue.
"Stop This Silent Massacre" is a visual representation and a call to action. It urges viewers to acknowledge the severity of femicide, to break the silence, and to stand in solidarity with those affected. By bringing this issue to the forefront, I hope to inspire change and foster a deeper understanding of the profound impact of gender-based violence.
Image from Poster for Tomorrow, at https://www.posterfortomorrow.org/en/projects/stop-killing-women
Background
This poster was created for the "Stop Killing Women" poster competition, sponsored by Poster for Tomorrow. According to UN Women, 2022 was the year in which the most women were intentionally murdered to date: nearly 89,000. Of these ‘Around 48,800 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or other family members (including fathers, mothers, uncles and brothers). This means that, on average, more than 133 women or girls are killed every day by someone in their own family.’
If it’s not bad enough that femicide is increasing, the real statistic is probably much higher: ‘for roughly four in ten intentional murders of women and girls, there is not enough information to identify them as gender-related killings because of national variation in criminal justice recording and investigation practices’.
This must change.
If it’s not bad enough that femicide is increasing, the real statistic is probably much higher: ‘for roughly four in ten intentional murders of women and girls, there is not enough information to identify them as gender-related killings because of national variation in criminal justice recording and investigation practices’.
This must change.
Influences and Imagery
Themes: Ripples, Breaking Silence, Echoes, Justice, Breaking away from the isolation of abuse
Themes: A Day with no Women, Representation of Absence, Symbolism of Red, Collective Mourning
Memorial to Survivors of Sexual Violence
This artist’s red shoes stand in for all the women lost to violence
Ideation Sketches
Initial Idea
Sketched Girl
Sketched Face
Iterations
Draft 1
Draft 2
Draft 3
Draft 4
Draft 5
Draft 6
Draft 7
Draft 8
Final Poster (Full Scale)
Dimensions: 50 cm x 70 cm (150 PPI); RGB Color Space