She LL Project documented at Marienplatz in Munich, Germany

She LL Project was documented in June 2009 at Marienplatz in Munich, Germany for a German public television film about three artists. The goal of the film is to teach students from the age of 15- 16 years old about art and its forms of communication. The film was directed by Erguen Cevik and is called "Kunst oder nur ein glas Wasser (Art or only a glass of water)". People passing by the exhibition were asked their thoughts about the installation and their opinions about sexual abuse. The texts from each participant were also available for the unofficial audience to read or take the info with them. This public action was a new experience for me and a very effective way to present the work. The audience was not aware of the content and were very curious and open to know what the installation was about. I was also able to get very honest reactions about their opinions and experiences. In an art exhibition at a gallery or museum you do not generally have the opportunity to reach such a diverse audience that is involuntarily forced to deal with and react to the content of the work.

She LL Project Exhibition March 5th- March 29th, 2009 Lothringerstr. 13

She LL Project had its first official exhibition from March 5th- March 29th, 2009 at Lothringerstr. 13 Contemporary Art Space/ Städtische Kunsthalle in Munich. 14 participants that were victims of sexual abuse from the ages of 10 to 65 years old and 5 participants that knew someone that had been sexually abused were presented in the installation. Two new participants came forward for the next exhibition. A female professor spoke about being sexually assaulted as a student. More than a few visitors mentioned the people they knew who have been assaulted. A mother and teenage daughter discussed sexual abuse while viewing the exhibition. A young man read all of the stories and then brought a male friend the next day to show him the dresses. Others simply said thank you.

 

 

The First She LL Project Exhibition Feb. 3rd- Feb. 10th, 2009

On February 3rd- February 10th, 2009 She LL project was introduced at the Akademie der Bildenden Kuenste in Munich, Germany.
She LL project is an installation made from donated dresses of women and girls that have been sexually assaulted, 
women who have been affected by this (happened to a family member or 
friend), and supporters of the project. Each participant is also asked to 
submit a personal statement as to how the sexual abuse has affected them, 
their thoughts about sexual abuse, and how they feel about participating in 
this project. This information is available at the exhibition for visitors to read and reflect on each experience. At each exhibition there is the opportunity for new participants to donate a dress that will be shown in the next planned exhibition.

A little bit of history

This is her story, but not a unique story. Over 15 years ago, a woman I know very well was violently raped in her home by a serial rapist. He broke into her house in the early hours while she was taking a shower. Three years later the rapist was finally arrested. At the trial the woman was portrayed as a "loose" unstable woman going through a divorce. The jury was convinced that they had consensual sex. This was the farthest from the truth. Although there were police reports and the evidence was clear, the jury believed this stereotypical portrayal and the rapist was charged as not guilty. Although he raped many women most of them were too afraid to come forward. Fortunately, there was one last trial and the jury convicted him to life in prison.
This is one story, but not a unique story.

The cycle must be broken.