The Untold Project: Art as an Intervention
My project, titled Untold, is a public poster intervention that focuses on the hidden stories of police officers and firefighters who have survived domestic violence and sexual assault. These groups are often seen as strong protectors in society, but their experiences as survivors are rarely discussed. The poster design includes police badges in the background and fire trucks at the bottom. The visual elements represent authority and safety, while the message reveals a difficult truth, even those who protect others can be victims themselves. The goal of this project is to bring attention to these untold stories and encourage people to listen and take action.
The message of my project is about visibility and breaking silence. Domestic violence and sexual assault are often treated as private problems, especially in professions that value toughness and control. By putting this message into a public poster, the project challenges the idea that these stories should remain hidden. The title Untold represents the voices that have been ignored or silenced. This project shows that survivors deserve to be heard and supported, regardless of their job or public image.
My research connects this project to the history of protest art and art interventions. One example is the feminist group Guerrilla Girls, who used posters and public messages to expose injustice in the art world. They believed that art should be direct and visible. As they explain, “We use humor and statistics to expose sexism and racism in the art world”. Their work demonstrates how posters can be used as tools for social change. Like their work, my poster uses bold images and words to attract attention and challenge viewers to think differently.
Another important example is the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which used personal stories and names to honor people who died from AIDS. The Quilt turned private loss into a public statement and helped people understand the human side of the crisis. This connects to my project because both works use storytelling to raise awareness and create empathy. Artist Suzanne Lacy also explains the purpose of this kind of art when she says, “New genre public art is based on engagement, not objects”. This quote shows that public art is not only about what people see, but how they interact with the message. My poster invites people to attend a meeting, learn more, and participate in the conversation.
This project works as an intervention because it is placed in public spaces where people do not expect to see this type of message. When viewers see police badges and fire trucks, they usually think of strength and safety. However, the text on the poster changes that meaning by revealing survivor stories. This contrast forces people to stop and reflect. The poster interrupts everyday routines and brings attention to an issue that is often ignored. It also connects personal experiences to a larger social problem, showing that abuse affects every community. I hung these fliers in 3 different police precents and also 2 fire stations as well. (Yes this was done in the matter of 3 hours and getting the full approve.)
In conclusion, Untold uses visual imagery in public spaces to challenge silence and stigma around domestic violence and sexual assault among first responders. By connecting to historical protest art and art interventions, this project shows how art can be used to raise awareness and create social change. Like the Guerrilla Girls and the AIDS Memorial Quilt, Untold makes invisible stories visible and encourages people to listen. This project proves that art can be a powerful form of protest and a way to give voice to those who have been unheard.
No comments:
Post a Comment