The aim of the project is to raise awareness and visualise everyday domestic violence, but also to give the voice back to the victims. In Semotan's own respectful distance, the women appear unexpectedly close. The women adopt the poses they choose, showing skin, hair and fragility. They are ‘women from next door’, half hiding, half revealing themselves to the camera's gaze. It becomes clear: It is not easy to break the silence and bring one's own story to light.
The site-specific exhibition at Kunsthaus Graz is the result of a co-operation between Soroptimist International, Kunsthaus Graz and the photographer Elfie Semotan. The photographic approach, which can be seen in the foyer of the Kunsthaus, and the accompanying audio recordings were created for the international Siolence campaign, which aims to raise awareness and break the deadly silence. Editions have been created for the successful campaign, which has made 13 stops from Vienna to Innsbruck to date and can be purchased in the Kunsthaus Graz shop. The proceeds from the exhibition donations will be used entirely for soroptimist violence protection and prevention projects.
