A profound new art exhibition in Cambridge is set to reveal the harrowing effects of domestic abuse through a variety of creative mediums. The display, organised by Sharon Livermore and Anglia Ruskin University, aims to confront the brutal realities of this issue.
Featuring work from artists who have been directly impacted by or lost loved ones to domestic abuse, the exhibition highlights the urgent need for societal change.
Art Against Abuse Initiative
The ‘Breaking the Silence: Art Against Abuse’ exhibition is a joint initiative between Sharon Livermore MBE and Anglia Ruskin University. The collaboration aims to break the silence surrounding domestic abuse and raise awareness through compelling artwork. The exhibition will be held at the university’s East Road campus in Cambridge, marking a significant step in public education about domestic abuse.
The event will showcase the works of various artists, including Holly Ringrose, who specialises in portraits that memorialise victims of gender-based violence. The public display promises to be both informative and emotional, shedding light on the deep-rooted issue of domestic violence.
Highlighting Personal Stories
One of the most poignant pieces in the exhibit is by Holly Ringrose, who paints unfinished portraits to honour women who lost their lives to domestic abuse. Each portrait is a somber reminder, painted for a minute for each year the victim lived. This technique profoundly illustrates the brevity and significance of each life lost.
Among the showcased works is a black and white digital image of Ellie Gould, a 17-year-old murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2019. Created in 17 minutes, the piece stands as a stark representation of Ellie’s life and untimely death. Both the artwork and the stories behind them aim to humanise the statistics often associated with domestic abuse.
Community and Support
The exhibition not only serves as an artistic display but also as a gathering of support networks. Present at the event will be police, Women’s Aid, council representatives, and various crisis centres, including Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
Sharon Livermore emphasises the balance between educating the public, raising awareness, and offering a supportive environment. The presence of trained counsellors and wellbeing teams seeks to provide immediate assistance to anyone attending who may be affected by the exhibit’s content.
Emotional and Educational Impact
Suzanne Drieu, head of counselling and wellbeing at Anglia Ruskin University, highlights the importance of the exhibition for students, especially those who may have relocated and lost previous support systems. The university aims to ensure every attendee is aware of the resources available to them.
The display will include trigger warnings due to the sensitive nature of the content. As Livermore asserts, there is a need to confront these harsh realities rather than sugar-coating them, to spur meaningful action and change.
Balancing Art and Awareness
The exhibited works encompass various forms of art, including poetry, prints, and digital artwork. Each piece is meticulously selected to provoke thought and evoke emotion. The initiative underscores the necessity of balancing awareness with the potential emotional impact on the audience.
Ms Livermore believes that hiding the harsh truths of domestic abuse hinders awareness and change. She asserts that by confronting these realities head-on, society is more likely to generate a positive and actionable response.
Voices of Survivors
The involvement of student ambassadors trained in domestic abuse awareness brings an educational dimension to the exhibition. These ambassadors add depth to the initiative, providing personal insights and fostering a greater understanding of domestic abuse among the public.
Livermore’s own experience as a survivor of domestic abuse underscores the exhibition’s purpose. Her goal is clear: to raise awareness and educate others on the detrimental impacts of domestic violence, ensuring that survivors do not feel isolated or unheard.
A Call to Action
Ultimately, the ‘Breaking the Silence: Art Against Abuse’ exhibition is a powerful call to action. It seeks to jolt society out of complacency and into recognising the pervasive issue of domestic violence. By showcasing these artistic expressions, the organisers hope to inspire lasting change and support for victims.
Through this evocative display, visitors are encouraged to reflect on the personal and collective responsibilities we all have in addressing domestic abuse. The exhibition is not just an artistic endeavour but a profound societal statement.
The Cambridge exhibition on domestic abuse is a bold and necessary initiative to raise public consciousness. The works displayed are expected to leave a lasting impact on all who attend, serving as a stark reminder of the deep and pervasive effects of domestic violence.
By breaking the silence, the organisers hope to catalyse real change, making society more aware and supportive of those affected by domestic abuse.
