It might not be everyday that a woman has to deal with sleazy men catcalling to them on the street, yet when it does happen it doesn't make them feel any more sexy; Menagerie by Rachel Graves, an artist based in Nottingham, United Kingdom, strives to capture exactly how it makes women feel. The common terms such as 'bird,' 'fox' and 'bitch' are all derogatory and dehumanize the women in various ways.
Menagerie by Rachel Graves sees the artist dress up as these animals in a way to reclaim control and ownership over the situation. She writes, "I didn’t want to just turn myself into the object that the harassers saw me as. I wanted to find a way to get my sense of self back, to be able to throw the words away and take back control.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Body Empowerment
- Creating art that empowers women to reclaim control and ownership over their bodies and experiences.
- Street Harassment Awareness
- Exploring the impact of street harassment on women and raising awareness about the issue.
- Art as Social Commentary
- Using art as a platform to highlight social issues and challenge societal norms.
Where This Applies
- Art and Design
- Opportunity for artists to use their creative skills and imagination to address social issues and spark conversations.
- Gender Advocacy
- Creating spaces and initiatives that promote gender equality, empowerment, and address issues such as street harassment.
- Media and Entertainment
- Opportunity for media platforms to share stories and artwork that raise awareness about street harassment and its effects.
