Garments for Womxn started as an ongoing series of self portraits which I used as a medium to check in with myself about how I am feeling. I am a single parent with a small child during lockdown, and being able to see myself in this way has been good for my mental health.
I am exploring themes around authentic self and motherhood, and dream of a future where integration of trauma and healing is possible in community and connection to one another.
Using textiles and garments as a way to cement myself in the tangible world, the images I create are driven by my experience as a survivor of sexual violence and navigating the criminal justice system alongside of raising a small child. I hope to evoke in the viewer a shared sense of passion for human rights.
I am raising £280 so that I can make 13 x T shirts that is printed with the question, "do you have consent?". The T shirt itself will be simple, and the question is posed to make the viewer consider what consent means. I am going to get all T shirts made in a size XL as I want to make something that is universal and comfortable.
I will keep one T shirt for myself and then I plan to make an open call for a T shirt exchange, where I send out one of my T shirts for free in exchange for a pre loved T shirt from anyone who feels they are happy to donate to me and would like one of mine in return.
This activity, "Can I have your T shirt?" is a way for connections to happen between myself and whoever wishes to get involved, and then it's also a way to share my question of consent into the wider community.
With this I am exploring how definitions may mean something different to different people, why that is problematic and how important it is for better education around language in relation to these topics.
You can also support my work here >https://www.buymeacoffee.com/grmntsforwomxn.
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