The 'Weapon of Choice' project is an anti-abuse photography series that was taken in hopes to provoke a conversation about the problems of all types of abuse: verbal, physical, mental, child, and sexual. The visual presentation of the abuse, created and shot by Richard Johnson, is poignant and alarming.
The portrait-styled pictures highlight the pains caused by hurtful words alongside the scars and bruises left behind from physical abuse. The victims depicted are shot with labels on their faces made with applied makeup that resembles blood and bruises. Some of the words "hurled at them" include "stupid," "useless," "mistake," and "slut."
Johnson hopes his photos will enable people to better detect the signs of abuse or be more thoughtful before they speak negatively towards others, because words alone can inflict the same amount of pain.
Poignant Anti-Abuse Photography
Richard Johnson Depicts Victims of Verbal, Mental & Physical Abuse
Trend Themes
1. Anti-abuse Photography - Visual representation of abuse through photography as a way to raise awareness and encourage conversation.
2. Labeling Victims of Abuse - The use of labeling with applied makeup to depict abusive words and phrases as a way to provoke thought and empathy.
3. Emphasis on Verbal Abuse - Highlighting the impact of hurtful words through visual representation in addition to physical abuse.
Industry Implications
1. Mental Health and Wellness - Potential for partnerships and campaigns between photographers and mental health organizations to promote awareness and advocacy.
2. Social Justice and Advocacy - Non-profits and advocacy groups could use anti-abuse photography as a tool for education and outreach to promote change.
3. Human Resources and Organizational Development - Companies could utilize anti-abuse photography as a training tool for employees to raise awareness and promote respectful communication in the workplace.