Artist and activist aleXsandro Palombo has followed up his 'No Violence against Women' series with 'Coward,' a project released to coincide with the 'International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.'
While both projects feature iconic cartoon characters, ranging from Popeye's Olive Oyl to the Disney princesses, 'Coward' features the bruised and bloody characters holding up an image of their so-called "prince charming" with the word "COWARD" stamped across the front.
Palombo explains, "Thousands of women are killed every year all over the world. Femicide is an unacceptable social issue. As a man, I feel ashamed of the behaviors of those who use violence against women." Survivors of domestic violence are often subject to "victim-blaming" and other shaming tactics ("why didn't she leave sooner?"). By branding men as the cowards, Palombo hopes to transfer the culpability to the abusers, instead of the abused.
Abused Iconic Characters
The No Violence Against Women Project is Followed by the 'Cowards' Series
Trend Themes
1. Anti-violence Art - Innovative visual campaigns that raise awareness to combat violence against women and support survivors
2. Subverted Iconography - Artistic projects that invert recognizable visual icons to spread social commentary and political messages.
3. Victim Empowerment Art - Artistic expression that aims to portray survivors of domestic abuse and violence as strong, empowered and capable of overcoming their situation.
Industry Implications
1. Social Issues Advocacy - Initiatives focused on raising funds, awareness, and support for anti-domestic violence campaigns.
2. Fine Arts - Artists creating multimedia works merging pop culture with social commentary.
3. Community Development - Programs and services that help empower and support survivors of domestic violence in affected communities.