HEARD
BA Thomas
This body of work was created out of a strong conviction I feel as a human, as a woman, as an artist.
In late 2018, this conviction was brought to the forefront of my mind by women coming forward and speaking about their experiences with sexual assault and harassment in the media and in my own life. The commonality, the frequency, and the intensity of the experiences of so many women, including myself, drove me to cultivate a space for important conversation to happen.
Via instagram, I asked anyone who is willing to share short phrases or single words that were "stuck" in their heads in light of things like the Me Too movement, Time's Up, the Ford/Kavanaugh hearing, etc. The responses I received were numerous, and included quotes of things said in harm, in wisdom, in confusion, in strength; things that just wouldn't leave the minds of the listener when they heard a story that plucked at the strings of their own experience. I took twelve of these quotes and created twelve linocut prints. I paired each quote with a drawn flower, symbolizing the woman in this referenced moment, but not limiting her to this sole representation. Pink ink pulls at notions of femininity, while gold points to an effort to sanctify, to make sacred the vulnerability that is sharing a difficult story. When we share something harmful or significant with others who respond with love and intention, our brains are rewired to overcome that damage done. But only if the story is actually heard can the listener engage in helpful conversation, take responsibility for their own actions, and amplify the voices of those once silenced.
Heard was displayed in the summer of 2019, and will hopefully be displayed again in the future. It includes six supporting collages, as well as a bold and emotional statement that will only ever be displayed alongside the physical works.
I want to thank the women that shared their stories with me, and to thank you for reading and for looking with honor and dignity.
In late 2018, this conviction was brought to the forefront of my mind by women coming forward and speaking about their experiences with sexual assault and harassment in the media and in my own life. The commonality, the frequency, and the intensity of the experiences of so many women, including myself, drove me to cultivate a space for important conversation to happen.
Via instagram, I asked anyone who is willing to share short phrases or single words that were "stuck" in their heads in light of things like the Me Too movement, Time's Up, the Ford/Kavanaugh hearing, etc. The responses I received were numerous, and included quotes of things said in harm, in wisdom, in confusion, in strength; things that just wouldn't leave the minds of the listener when they heard a story that plucked at the strings of their own experience. I took twelve of these quotes and created twelve linocut prints. I paired each quote with a drawn flower, symbolizing the woman in this referenced moment, but not limiting her to this sole representation. Pink ink pulls at notions of femininity, while gold points to an effort to sanctify, to make sacred the vulnerability that is sharing a difficult story. When we share something harmful or significant with others who respond with love and intention, our brains are rewired to overcome that damage done. But only if the story is actually heard can the listener engage in helpful conversation, take responsibility for their own actions, and amplify the voices of those once silenced.
Heard was displayed in the summer of 2019, and will hopefully be displayed again in the future. It includes six supporting collages, as well as a bold and emotional statement that will only ever be displayed alongside the physical works.
I want to thank the women that shared their stories with me, and to thank you for reading and for looking with honor and dignity.
All rights reserved ©