Why Domestic Violence?

I decided to work with a topic I have known since a young age. I know the different ways domestic violence can be represented or experienced from the perspective of a daughter or as a partner. I also know about the pain that manifests from the healing process of moving on from that experience and how shameful the journey might feel. I wanted to tell that story, I wanted to support and grow with my community through this topic and this is the result.

After almost a year since I met my muses for the first time, I have gotten to know them better. I realized my passion didn’t stop by just painting them, I wanted to tell their story and to be able to “imprint” their essence into my artwork. I wanted to invite these women to see themselves how I see them; empowered, beautiful and as a great source of inspiration for others, especially for those who might still be living with domestic violence or have experienced it in the past. I want to remind them that an experience does not define you as a person.

You see… domestic violence is ingrained and normalized within our society far more than people could ever imagine, it can happen to anyone and is so easily “hidden” in plain sight. Chances to become a target increase even more if you grow up in a dysfunctional family.  For someone who experiences domestic violence, they may start to lose their  identity due the daily reminder that they  should become this other person that their partner “needs them to be ''in order to be happy”. When in reality, a relationship consists of two individuals who choose to be together because they -love each other-  the way they are. Yes, not all relationships are easy but that doesn’t mean people need to live under any type of abuse or pain.

Domestic violence is real. It doesn’t matter how much people want to avoid the topic or ignore it. It is happening in our community. It is an invisible cage that one gets convinced it would be impossible to escape from. The majority of people think that it’s only found in situations where one inflicts physical pain to the other or that it only happens to women. It can actually be represented in different types of abuse besides just physical like economical, emotional, psychological, sexual or harassment and it can be inflicted to females or males (no matter their sexual orientation or preferences), children, the elderly elder people or animals. Around  5% of  men in the USA who go to the authorities experience this from their female partners. This is a social issue, which means that to experience it it doesn’t matter what your preferences are or how you identify yourself.

Let’s remember that this is not an easy situation to live in. Many people die every year due to domestic violence, not to mention the impact it has on new generations that grow up not knowing they are negatively influenced by a generational disease. This project is a tribute to life, a tribute to survivors and a tribute to those who have lost their lives or beloved ones in their journey with domestic violence.

I believe in a world where people no matter their preferences, can enjoy their lives without judgment or violence, where they can talk openly about their fears and dreams and become the key for a healthier humanity. I think that world is possible if we all start adopting a new perspective.

HEY, DON’T MISS OUT..

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