Exhibition with VOWMK and MKACT to stop violence against women!
I have been working with charities VOWMK and MKACT who support those who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse for an exhibition that will further advocate for this matter.
The themes are "paint the world orange to stop violence against women" for which I have created a painting of a woman screaming orange waves of sound - it is called "When the World Wouldn't Listen" (see image below). The waves of orange in this painting are filled with very intricate details which represents the true deep issue and the extent of it's complications. But the woman screaming shows us that we all have to keep advocating, no matter what.
My second piece shows multiple hands of women of all different races and backgrounds coming together to hold a diya (oil lamp) - see image above). Some of these hands are tied by metal chains and barbed wire, others deeply cut or on fire. But these cuts are outlined in gold, so are their hands and so is the fire. It shows that a woman's pain has been glorified by modern society. It is deemed as normal and that we should suffer in silence because that is the right thing to do. This is why advocating, having these tough conversations and breaking the taboos around pain and suffering is so important. My painting shows how no matter how much pain a woman is in, how much she is beaten and bruised, and however much she is pulled back by the world, she still shows up. She chooses to choose herself last for a world that chooses to put her last too. I made this to give these women the recognition they deserve and hopefully be one step closer to bringing awareness to everyone's conscience that we should appreciate all those selfless women around us and give them the rest they deserve to heal and time for them to learn how to put themselves first every once in a while.
If you know anyone in an unsafe situation, or you yourself are in such a situation - please know you deserve peace, you deserve safety, and you are so worthy of having the life you truly deserve to have 💜
My work, along with other artists's creations will be displayed in Silbury Arcade opposite John Lewis CMK from 25th November to 10th December (this period of time is known as the 16 Days of Activism). A digital image will be displayed on VOWMK's online gallery of their exhibition webpage and may also be displayed in the 'Skinny Gallery' facing outside onto Silbury Boulevard. On the 25th of November they will also decorate a pillar each at MK Rose for the annual vigil which will commemorate the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls and White Ribbon Day.
Please get in touch if you'd like to attend on 25/11/2025 to show your support - I can give you better details! Thank you so much for reading, this has been an incredible movement to be a part of and I hope to make a difference, one painting at a time 💖
Lots of love,
Prajakta