The Silenced Voices of MST
In this impactful episode of The Silenced Voices of MST, Rachelle Smith sits down with Jaye, a brave survivor who enlisted in the Army in 1978. Throughout her 17-year military career, Jaye faced unimaginable challenges, including rape and constant sexual harassment. Tune in as she candidly shares her journey—navigating life after assault, the impact on her well-being, and the difficulties she encountered while simply being female within the military system.
THE BODY AND BLOOD
by Luzene Hill
"The Body and Blood" is informed by Ruined a Pulitzer Prize winning play by Lynn Nottage, which addresses atrocities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Violence against women is a global issue; ubiquitous and without boundaries. Most rapes go unreported - only 16% are ever reported to the police. In the United States, a reported attack happens every two minutes, 720 times a day.
This installation presented an image of those numbers. Each day, for 34 days, 720 dried rose petals were added to a honeysuckle basket in the center of the gallery. Between October 12 and November 14, 2009, a total of 24,480 petals spilled over that basket, as sanctus bells rang every two minutes.
"Call-for-artists to submit to The Blue Bench’s art showcase on sexual assault/trauma survivors. I centered my piece around the need to people-please and healing that aspect of myself." Date: 2/2024 Material: Collage Dimensions: 18 x 24 in.
"Painting what it felt like for me to learn to love myself again after experiencing trauma from a narcissistic romantic partner." Date: 7/2020 Material: Acrylic on Canvas Dimensions: 16 x 24 in.
