something about bodies - event booklet v.6
TRANSCRIPT
Tuesday 10th to Sunday 15th March 2015
30 Y30 YEARSEARS CCHAMPIONINGHAMPIONING RRIGHTSIGHTS & D& DIGNITYIGNITY OFOF AAFRICANFRICAN WWOMENOMEN
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FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health, Research and Development) is a
leading African diaspora women’s campaign and support charity. We are committed to
gender equality and advancing and safeguarding the sexual and reproductive health,
rights and dignity of African girls and women.
FORWARD, a registered charity since 1985, works in partnerships in the UK, Europe
and Africa to transform lives, tackling discriminatory practices that affect the dignity
and wellbeing of girls and women. Our focus is on female genital mutilation (FGM)
Child Marriage and Obstetric Fistula.
Our vision:
“A world where women and girls live in dignity, are healthy,
have choices and equal opportunities.”
Content warning!
This exhibition includes content that may be upsetting or triggering to some audience
members. This includes descriptions of female genital mutilation, and content relating
to child and forced marriage, sexual violence and other forms of violence against
women and girls.
If you need support relating to the issues discussed in the exhibition or events, please
contact FORWARD at 020 8960 4000 (ext. 1), or at [email protected].
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Auction Information Auction Information Auction Information Auction Information ---- Page 5Page 5Page 5Page 5
Traditions Run Deeper Than Law Traditions Run Deeper Than Law Traditions Run Deeper Than Law Traditions Run Deeper Than Law ---- Page 6Page 6Page 6Page 6
In collaboration with Aga Tamiola of Artists Against FGM, featuring work
from 11 incredible artists
IIIImages of Hope: Child Marriage and FGM in Tanzania mages of Hope: Child Marriage and FGM in Tanzania mages of Hope: Child Marriage and FGM in Tanzania mages of Hope: Child Marriage and FGM in Tanzania ---- Page 10Page 10Page 10Page 10
Photography by Chiara Ceolin
Create Art to Create Change Create Art to Create Change Create Art to Create Change Create Art to Create Change ---- Page 12Page 12Page 12Page 12
Photography & Poetry Art Pieces created by Youth Advocates on the
CREATE Youth-Net project
Woman: Whose Canvas? Woman: Whose Canvas? Woman: Whose Canvas? Woman: Whose Canvas? ---- Page 14Page 14Page 14Page 14
Digital Installation - Artwork exploring women, their roles and their bodies
These Are Our Friends These Are Our Friends These Are Our Friends These Are Our Friends ---- Page 15Page 15Page 15Page 15
Illustrations of poetry from the book These Are Our Friends by talented and
creative professionals from the worlds of fashion, graphic and web design
and music
Something About Bodies is an exhibition to mark FORWARD’s 30th anniversary and
International Women’s Day (8th of March). The exhibition celebrates the strength of
African women and girls; and explores the complexities of FGM and Child/Forced
marriage and challenges society’s perceptions of the issues. The exhibition highlights
the importance of placing the dignity of affected girls and women at the forefront of all
thinking and action.
This exhibition includes contributions from over thirty artists; many of whom are from
communities affected by FGM and child/forced marriage. The main gallery space, in
particular features art from FORWARD’s Youth Advocates - giving a voice to the next
generation whom we need to nurture, protect and respect.
Curated by Richard ‘Rich Blk’ Mkoloma
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Opening Event of Opening Event of Opening Event of Opening Event of Something About Bodies: Realise, Reclaim, Recreate Something About Bodies: Realise, Reclaim, Recreate Something About Bodies: Realise, Reclaim, Recreate Something About Bodies: Realise, Reclaim, Recreate ExhibitionExhibitionExhibitionExhibition
Tuesday 10th March 6.30 Tuesday 10th March 6.30 Tuesday 10th March 6.30 Tuesday 10th March 6.30 ---- 9.00pm 9.00pm 9.00pm 9.00pm
• Drinks reception and gallery viewingDrinks reception and gallery viewingDrinks reception and gallery viewingDrinks reception and gallery viewing
• Spoken word by FORWARD and IKRWO Youth AdvocatesSpoken word by FORWARD and IKRWO Youth AdvocatesSpoken word by FORWARD and IKRWO Youth AdvocatesSpoken word by FORWARD and IKRWO Youth Advocates
• Q&A with Richard ‘Rich Blk’ Mkoloma, Aga Tamiola, JustinMcKenzie and Youth Advocates. Q&A with Richard ‘Rich Blk’ Mkoloma, Aga Tamiola, JustinMcKenzie and Youth Advocates. Q&A with Richard ‘Rich Blk’ Mkoloma, Aga Tamiola, JustinMcKenzie and Youth Advocates. Q&A with Richard ‘Rich Blk’ Mkoloma, Aga Tamiola, JustinMcKenzie and Youth Advocates.
Richard ‘Rich Blk’ Mkoloma is a fashion designer and creative consultant with international experience,
working for global brands and forward-thinking niche collections that include Napapijri, Hussein Chalayan/
Puma, MO SAIQUE, Michiko Koshino and Sean John. Richard was the creative directing consultant and
creative writing facilitator on the Create Art to Create Change project and has curated the Something About
Bodies exhibition.
www.richblk.com
Justin McKenzie started out in the education, social care and youth work fields, before developing a career
in art & design, setting up as a freelance artist, illustrator and graphic designer. As a co-founder and Creative
Director of Jazz re:freshed, Justin made the step to incorporate as a not-for-profit music and arts
organisation, resulting in gaining NPO status from Arts Council England, starting 2015. Justin was the
photography art director on the Create Art to Create Change project.
www.jazzrefresshed.com
Agnieszka (Aga) Tamiola is a multimedia artist living and working out of Berlin and London. Her
geographical and linguistic misplacement led her to focus on a visual reflection on the aspects of loss,
identity and belonging in the context of globalisation and new technologies. Aga’s nomadic approach to
explore mutability of matter manifests itself in sculptural assemblages fusing materials and processes.
Aga founded Artists Against FGM in 2014 and has coordinated the Traditions Run Deeper Than Law
installation and contributed her time, art and expertise towards FORWARD’s Something About Bodies
exhibition.
www.agatamiola.com | @AgaTamiola
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Artwork available:
Eden Garden by Klara Capouskova (view on page 7)
Stone Orgasms by Keyezua (view on page 7)
Saving the Orchids by Loisjoy Thursdon (view on page 8)
Full Stop by Mary Rouncefield (view on page 8)
You Would Not Do ThisBSo Why? by Mary Rouncefield (view on page 8)
Waspies by Fio Adamson (view on page 7)
Braided Vessel by Emilia Maryniak (view on page 8)
Images of Hope framed photographs by Chiara Ceolin (view on page 10-11)
I Know Her - Artwork by Lulu Kitololo (view on page 15)
The Party Plan - Artwork by Gabrielle Smith (view on page 15)
We, Us, Community - Artwork by Justin McKenzie (view on page 16)
Game Face - Artwork by Sadia Rafique (view on page 16)
These Are Our Friends - Artwork by OddKinCreate (view on page 16)
You can bid for the artwork on FORWARD’s eBay charity page: www.ebay.co.uk/egw/ebay-for-charity/charity-profile/FORWARD/87074
Or simply go to ebay.charity.co.uk, search ‘FGM’ and select
FORWARD.
You can also go to www.forwarduk.org.uk/news for more
information and a direct link to the auction.
Selected donated pieces will be auctioned online from Tuesday 10th March on eBay.
Pieces available in the auction are clearly marked in this booklet.
All proceeds will go towards FORWARD’s work on the ending FGM and child marriage campaign.
Thank you to all artists who donated their pieces for this auction!
AuctionAuctionAuctionAuction
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The ExhibitionThe ExhibitionThe ExhibitionThe Exhibition
Traditions Run Deeper than LawTraditions Run Deeper than LawTraditions Run Deeper than LawTraditions Run Deeper than Law
Obsolete Oath Obsolete Oath Obsolete Oath Obsolete Oath by Aga Tamiolaby Aga Tamiolaby Aga Tamiolaby Aga Tamiola
Artists Against FGM (AAFGM) is a network of socially conscious artists contributing to ending female genital
mutilation (FGM). As artists they believe they have a social responsibility to question, comment and take
action. The art mediums range from paint, sculpture and photography to textile and new media. The aim is to
raise awareness of FGM and of girls and women at risk of FGM.
Artists Against FGM was founded by Aga Tamiola in May 2014. Traditions Run Deeper Than Law features
eleven international artists who created pieces to deepen the understanding of the cultural and traditional
background of FGM and the complexities that societies encounter while trying to eradicate it.
www.artistsagainstfgm.com - @ArtistsendFGM
Little Stitches Little Stitches Little Stitches Little Stitches by Andrea Carrby Andrea Carrby Andrea Carrby Andrea Carr
The work takes its name from Little Stitches, a set of four short plays that
look into the human stories behind FGM. (Produced by BAREtruth Theatre
Company). This artwork uses verbatim text from Felicity’s story, Where Do I
Start? by Raul Quiros Molina, one of the plays in Little Stitches. It was
drafted from interviews with FGM survivors, activists and nurses.
The text from Felicity's monologue has been transposed into a different
medium to create a 3D artwork. Written onto a child’s dress, ingrained using
a pencil, it is intended to be both direct and thought provoking. The piece
has been created in response to the line, ‘they gave us presents, nothing too
special, these girly, puffy dresses, because the dresses got spoilt with all the
blood afterwards’. A new dress, for most little girls is usually something to
cherish, to feel pretty in, play at being a princess in. The words tell a
different story. For the purpose of this 3D artwork and artistic license, some
text is repeated or emphasized, none of the words have been changed.
The text is available to read by the artwork so that no part of its content can
be misconstrued or lost.
www.andreacarr.co.uk - [email protected]—@andreavfcarr
The Obsolete Oath is an iron cast sculpture that reveals how out
-of-date and harmful FGM is. In order to create a piece in cast
iron, the matter needs to be heated up to about 1200 degrees
celsius and then the hot lava is poured into the mould. Once
ready, the final piece can be changed by using grinders and
specialist tools. The process of making the piece reflects the
process of building up a tradition and showing the difficulties of
changing something that has been impregnated into cultures
and societies. It shows that changes are necessary and we
should not be discouraged if they happen more slowly than we would like them to.
www.agatamiola.com [email protected]
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Eden Garden Eden Garden Eden Garden Eden Garden by Klara Capouskovaby Klara Capouskovaby Klara Capouskovaby Klara Capouskova
100% silk wall hanging | 120x180cm | Starting bid £1,750
Stone OrgasmsStone OrgasmsStone OrgasmsStone Orgasms by Keyezuaby Keyezuaby Keyezuaby Keyezua
Set of four 2D framed prints | 15x21cm (without frame)| Starting bid £250 for the set
The collection features fictional women who have undergone FGM. Keyezua
visually explores the ritual of mutilation of women, exploring its effects on body and
self. The cruel manipulation of the body is resembled in the portrait collages. Body
parts are turned into self-destructive stone, mirroring the lack of feeling or capacity
to enjoy sexuality that some women experience after undergoing FGM.
The artwork draws attention to the fact that more than 125 million girls and women
worldwide have suffered from FGM and are living with the physical and emotional
scars for the rest of their lives.
www.keyezuavision.tumblr.com - @Keyezua
The Eden Garden wall hanging is part of a project exploring the meaning of
soft values such as attachments, memories and emotions. The collection
consists of several original paintings that radiate positivity and energy.
The pattern symbolizes a place of inner happiness that is deeply rooted within
us all. It is the unlimited source of unconditional love, creativity and acceptance
we all have access to. A place of peaceful stillness we can trust and rely on,
knowing that every situation we encounter provides us with an opportunity for
personal growth and positive changes.
The vibrant design was digitally printed onto 100% Silk, a material that
appears delicate and soft to touch yet it is one of the strongest and most
flexible of natural fibres. Similarly, women in many countries in today’s modern
world are still perceived as fragile and vulnerable but in reality they are
equipped with an enormous amount of personal strength and resistance.
Klara Capouskova - www.soklara.com - [email protected]
Waspies Waspies Waspies Waspies by by by by Fio AdamsonFio AdamsonFio AdamsonFio Adamson
Freeform installation made with recycled polythene bag, metallic thread and embroidery silks .| Variable size
Starting bid £250
away from their families; ran away; were drugged, lost. Sweet little girls raged. Mothers were raped, imagined
crawling insects, died of knife wounds. Minds were fragmented, bones shattered, blood shed.
And many many girls were mutilated.
This piece expresses the complexity, the fear of violence, the anxiety and the frequent confusion, even the
underlying joy, experienced in growing up as a girl and as a young woman.
www.fio-adamson.com - [email protected]
Wasps gave their name to ‘waspies’, the corsets that Victorian women
wore to give them tiny waists. As a young woman the artist spent time in
Sudan listening to women’s FGM stories and saw at close hand the
diverse sufferings of women and became interested in the female
experience of sexism, violence and abuse as girls grow up in different
cultures, and in the subsequent effect of it on their lives.
Events happened. Others should have happened, or happened only in
the imagination. Lies were told. Children were born, or not born; adopted
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Saving the OrchidsSaving the OrchidsSaving the OrchidsSaving the Orchids by Loisjoy Thurstunby Loisjoy Thurstunby Loisjoy Thurstunby Loisjoy Thurstun
Framed 2D artwork | 87x57cm | Starting bid £250
The artist has also donated this piece for the auction. The piece consists of 9
pieces of latex that have been printed over with an image of an orchid and then
ink, to represent blood, has been splattered over these images. The orchids are
still whole, and the title is about keeping them that way, unmutilated. The artwork
is framed in painted distressed wood.
You Would Not Do This…So Why? You Would Not Do This…So Why? You Would Not Do This…So Why? You Would Not Do This…So Why? by Mary Rouncefieldby Mary Rouncefieldby Mary Rouncefieldby Mary Rouncefield
Framed in and watercolour drawing | 28.5x33.5cm | Starting bid £50
This piece is shocking, as the experience itself must be for women and girls who have
been through FGM. This drawing was made to question why FGM continues and what
purpose it serves in today’s world.
www.maryrouncefield.co.uk
Do Not Cut the Flowers Do Not Cut the Flowers Do Not Cut the Flowers Do Not Cut the Flowers by Loisjoy Thurstunby Loisjoy Thurstunby Loisjoy Thurstunby Loisjoy Thurstun
The piece depicts orchids, flowers that can look like female genitals. It shows
flowers that have been cut and are bleeding as an exhortation to stop this
practice.
The title also references the “cutting season”; in the UK this is the summer
holidays, when girls can be sent to countries of origin for FGM. The piece is
mounted on the ground, and can we walked over and trodden on. This
represents how many women and girls are treated in society. As you walk over
this, think of the millions of women and girls who have suffered FGM.
Full Stop Full Stop Full Stop Full Stop by Mary Rouncefieldby Mary Rouncefieldby Mary Rouncefieldby Mary Rouncefield
Framed ink and watercolour drawing | 54x44cm | Starting bid £50
The artist made Full Stop in support of the campaign to end FGM. In this
drawing the letters ‘FGM’ are drawn as if made from a woven material, to
emphasise the fact that this practice is woven into the culture and customs
of certain communities. Many parents believe that they are acting in their
daughter’s best interests when they submit them to this.
Braided Vessel Braided Vessel Braided Vessel Braided Vessel by Emilia Maryniakby Emilia Maryniakby Emilia Maryniakby Emilia Maryniak
Acrylic on canvas | 50x50cm|Starting bid £150
This work is a traditional painting on canvas, entitled Braided Vessel, it is
symbolic on many levels of the case of FGM.
It shows an African, braided water jar, a beautiful and life-saving object. When
the painting was finished the canvas (strong linen) was cut with a knife with
the puncture visible. So there is a sharp hole, through which it is possible to
see the wall.
www.emiliamaryniak.com
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Discarded Discarded Discarded Discarded by Deborah Martinby Deborah Martinby Deborah Martinby Deborah Martin
Discarded, reminiscent of shells and flowers,
the ceramic pieces symbolise cut and discarded female genitals. No
two ceramic pieces are the same. No two female genitals are the
same. They are presented pouring out of an old bucket and
intermingled with hair and nail trimmings. These body parts are all cut
to improve appearance, they are perceived to have no value and are
consequently discarded.
[email protected]—[email protected]
The Good Wife The Good Wife The Good Wife The Good Wife by Deborah Martinby Deborah Martinby Deborah Martinby Deborah Martin
The imposing wall hanging is made from reconstituted paper which, when the pulp is
wet, is malleable and easy to work with. Its size is imposing and its colour a dull grey
reminiscent of stone. Once dried it has a leathery texture but becomes fragile and
easily cracked and broken when handled. This ongoing damage is reflective of the
everlasting consequences of FGM.
The poem ‘The good wife’ – traditions to improve your daughter’s prospects was
written with the intentions, consequences and repetitive cycle of abuse in mind.
Embossed, indelibly imprinted into the overwhelming, grave-like hanging, the text
almost merges into the paper. Like FGM the words are not obvious, they need to be
searched out.
Some Place Like Home Some Place Like Home Some Place Like Home Some Place Like Home by Grace Euna Kimby Grace Euna Kimby Grace Euna Kimby Grace Euna Kim
(projected on the gallery wall with a headset to listen whilst you view)
A 3 channel video and sound meditation on time, memory, and the loss of innocence of childhood. Intended
as a loop with no beginning or end, the piece reflects the artists
interest in living contexts of space, time and consciousness where
many possible histories and futures converge in an infinite present.
The 3 parallel spaces are considered a psycho-geographic realm of
interiority-exteriority, of a memory driven through a fiction of space,
and a place driven through an image of consciousness. For each of
us, there are memories that might seem mundane and insignificant,
but are symbolic in their reflection of a time before one’s rose-colored
image of the world somehow changed, representing a before and after
that cyclically repeats itself in different guises throughout one’s life.
www.grace-kim.com - [email protected]
Aguna Aguna Aguna Aguna by Magdalena Radlowskaby Magdalena Radlowskaby Magdalena Radlowskaby Magdalena Radlowska
(projected on the gallery wall with a headset to listen whilst you view)
AGUNA is a silent scream about unequal human rights. Inspired by
Malala Yousafzai and Tamar Epstein. AGUNA speaks through all
languages in the fight against gender discrimination and female
persecution. The huge disparity between how women are treated in
different religions and countries is reflected in the juxtaposition of:
the hardness of the concrete and softness of the skin, flesh and
hair; the glowing red dress and monochrome background; the static
camera position and frantic movement; and the sudden high-
pitched stabs of music and low-pitched sustain chords.
Magdalena Radlowska (dancer/choreographer): www.magdalenaradlowska.com
Alex Judd (composer): www.soundcloud.com/alexjudd
Jack Judd (film-maker): www.floodwaterfilms.com
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Images of Hope:Images of Hope:Images of Hope:Images of Hope:
Child Marriage and FGM in Tanzania Child Marriage and FGM in Tanzania Child Marriage and FGM in Tanzania Child Marriage and FGM in Tanzania
The photographs aim to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by girls and young women affected by FGM
and child marriage in the Mara region of Tanzania.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage are major issues affecting women and girls in Tanzania
where the legal age of marriage is 14 years old and more than 38% of girls are married before the age of 18.
FGM is closely linked to child marriage. In Tanzania many girls are forced to undergo FGM in their childhood
before they become child brides. FGM is prevalent across Tanzania (except in Kigoma).
Chiara Ceolin, photographer, was supported by FORWARD and Children’s Dignity Forum (CDF) to visit a
FORWARD and CDF project in Tanzania in August 2012, where she conducted a photography skills
workshop with the girls in Tarime and also Musoma district. Chiara then documented and photographed the
stories of child brides and child mothers.
www.chiaraceolin.photoshelter.com - @chiaraceolin
Names have been changed to protect the girls’ identities.
Ghati, 18 yearsGhati, 18 yearsGhati, 18 yearsGhati, 18 years
Framed photograph | 42x60cm | Starting price £150
Ghati’s father and uncle married her to a 40 year old man when she
was just 12 years old. The year prior she had undergone FGM, a
tradition among the Kuryas. Her husband was violent towards her and
often beat her up and locked her at home. She had little money to
support herself and her children. She managed to escape to her
mother in Tarime with her two children after 3 years of marriage. Ghati
has now gone back to school and completed primary school. She was
the first girl from the child mothers/brides project supported by
Children’s Dignity Forum and FORWARD to return to school. Ghati
wants to be a lawyer.
Grace, 16 years Grace, 16 years Grace, 16 years Grace, 16 years
Framed photograph | 42x60cm | Starting price £150
After Grace’s parents divorced she did not have any support so she accepted some gifts and money from a man who got her pregnant. She was 13 years old. Her family chased her away and she moved in with the man who then stopped supporting her. She had two babies and he left her. Grace’s grandmother accepted to support her and her children. Grace is now supporting herself through gardening but her income is very low. Her dream is to become a nurse.
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Wankulu, 16 years Wankulu, 16 years Wankulu, 16 years Wankulu, 16 years
Framed photograph | 42x60cm | Starting price £150
Wankulu became pregnant when she was 14. She had a relationship
with a young man who used to give her money. Both of their families
met to discuss the eventual marriage but did not reach an agreement
on the dowry. The boy supported her for a while and when she found
out that he had another partner he stopped abruptly. She wishes to
return to school, but is concerned that she will not have any support to
take care of her child. In the meantime she is learning tailoring.
Amina, 22 years Amina, 22 years Amina, 22 years Amina, 22 years Framed photograph | 42x60cm | Starting price £150
Amina underwent FGM when she was 10, it was her family’s decision
and she could not refuse, as it was part of the tradition of the Kuryas.
Her family married her when she was 13 years old to an older woman.
The lady used to treat her very badly. When she was 16 the lady
decided that Amina had to have a baby so she found a man that got
her pregnant. She had three babies from him. Only at that time did
Amina realize that she was married to the woman, nobody had told her
before. Amina believes that in the near future FGM will end and her
daughters will not undergo it.
Bhoke, 21 years Bhoke, 21 years Bhoke, 21 years Bhoke, 21 years
Framed photograph | 42x60cm | Starting price £150
The father of the family where Bhoke was working raped her when
she was 15. After six months she was chased out of the house. She
went back to her parents and the same day, her mother died. She
gave birth to twins who died after six months because of malaria. She
then had three children from another man that she was living with. He
became violent towards her, once he beat her on the head with a
stick and she ended up in hospital. Finally he chased her away
without giving any financial support to the children. Bhoke believes
that the government should punish all the men that mistreat women.
Robi, 19 years Robi, 19 years Robi, 19 years Robi, 19 years
Framed photograph | 42x60cm | Starting price £150
Robi’s family didn’t have enough money to pay for her studies and at
that time a man started supporting her by paying her school fees,
buying her the school uniform and the exercise books. After a while he
raped her, she got pregnant at 13 and so he stopped supporting her
studies. Her teacher, as a consequence of her pregnancy, asked her
to leave the school. Her mother didn’t report the rape to the police as
she was too scared of retaliation by the perpetrator. Finding it difficult
to support her child, Robi accepted some money from another man
and, as a result, she became pregnant again. She finally got married
with a man who left her while she was in her third pregnancy.
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Create Art to Create ChangeCreate Art to Create ChangeCreate Art to Create ChangeCreate Art to Create Change
Create Youth-Net is a two year European project led by FORWARD that connects four partners in three
different countries with the aim to create a youth network of young people who are passionate about
advocating for ending the practices of female genital mutilation and forced marriage.
The ‘Create Art to Create Change’ project was aimed at developing young people’s skills and confidence in
campaigning against FGM and forced marriage through poetry and photography. London Youth Advocates
from the CREATE Youth-Net project embarked on a series of workshops on creative writing run by Richard
‘Rich Blk’ Mkoloma. Images were then produced to reflect the meanings behind the poetry through
photography workshops, which were led by Justin McKenzie.
22 Years and 11 Months22 Years and 11 Months22 Years and 11 Months22 Years and 11 Months
Amal Mohamed
“This piece is about life and what I have learnt about it recently. I have learnt that life is
unpredictable and it is inevitable that bad things will happen. However, that doesn’t
mean you should just give up. Don’t feel defeated. Imagine life as a person. If you
don’t fight back you’ll end up hurt or worse yet, dead. “
Light/Dark Light/Dark Light/Dark Light/Dark (poetry by Hibo Ahmed)
Kadra
“I selected this poem by Hibo Ahmed because I admire the way she
challenges the norms and values that underpin the practice of female genital
mutilation. Hibo emphasises the importance of education in understanding
the tragic health consequences of the practice. It calls on parents to
illuminate the darkness and to not take a chance on the life of their daughter
who they love so dearly.”
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I Know HerI Know HerI Know HerI Know Her
Kaltun Duale
“This piece is a snapshot of the reason I actively joined the campaign against FGM.
Since the day my mother made me aware of her work with FORWARD on
challenging the practice. I really admire the courageous survivors who speak of
their experiences. They are my inspiration and motivation to continue working on
the campaign wherever I go.”
@KaltunDuale_x
Culture and Tradition; What Do They Mean To You? Culture and Tradition; What Do They Mean To You? Culture and Tradition; What Do They Mean To You? Culture and Tradition; What Do They Mean To You?
Anjeli Shah
“Conversations around female genital mutilation and forced marriage are often
grounded in cultural sensitivity and an unwillingness to step on the toes of the
communities in which these acts are practised. I wanted to challenge the
traditional discourse, myths and stereotypes about why FGM and forced marriage
are practised. The way we try to explain these harmful practices is contradictory.
This is why I used contrasting images to represent the opposing effects and
consequences of culture and tradition. Furthermore, I wanted to reveal the
paradox between how we see culture and tradition and how we should reflect on
these concepts in our efforts to break down harmful practices and stereotypes.
Only in this way can we achieve progress in combatting human rights abuses.”
Regaining ParadiseRegaining ParadiseRegaining ParadiseRegaining Paradise
Cherrelle Ladina Salmon
“Paying homage to writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s ‘The Danger of a
Single Story’ presentation at TEDglobal. I wanted to create an
understanding of the importance of opening up various dialogues.
Challenging traditional discourses, which are so culturally ingrained
within the practices of female genital mutilation and child and forced
marriage will inevitably cause conflict; conflict which should not be seen
as detrimental however, but as a necessary tool in which to combat
ignorance, gain knowledge and create awareness. Join the conversation.”
Culture: My Burden Culture: My Burden Culture: My Burden Culture: My Burden
Megan Geddes
“The impetus of my poem was my attempt to explore and mediate the
tensions I felt within myself. I felt a conflict between enacting my culture
and questioning my autonomy in challenging culture. Although the poem
was written from personal experience, I felt that it could potentially be a
reflection of many individuals’ experiences of different tensions from
different cultures. “
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This digital installation aims to raise awareness of the pressures placed on women by the media and society
to attain an impossible level of beauty. It questions the varying concepts of beauty and women’s almost
universal struggle to attain beauty.
It aims to empower women by asking society to question the physical expectations it places on women, but
also by encouraging and supporting a new generation to redefine beauty and womanhood from their own view
point.
A hand out is available by the projection screen and at reception with details of the artists:
Hand Series by Bethe Bronson
Versions by Joanne Bradford
Autumn Day by Julio Cordero
Thin Fat Thin by Laura Fishman
Djaiyah by Mohamed Emeshad
Le Bébé sur Le Dos by Mohamed Elmeshad
Mother by Nour Khalil
Reflections by Nour Khalil
Gloria Stewart & Maria Riva by Rivkah Hetherington
I am (not) a Fashion Victim by Rivkah Hetherington
Mummy by Rufai Ajalah
Claristelle - Emotion: Happy, Jubilation by Rufai Ajalah
Life Marks by Simon Green
Transfigured by Susan Luqman
Azza by Suzanne Hilal
Haboba by Suzanne Hilal
Woman: Whose Canvas?Woman: Whose Canvas?Woman: Whose Canvas?Woman: Whose Canvas?
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I Know HerI Know HerI Know HerI Know Her–––– Artwork by Lulu KitololoArtwork by Lulu KitololoArtwork by Lulu KitololoArtwork by Lulu Kitololo
Canvas on wood frame | 42x59.5cm | Starting bid £80
Poem ‘I Know Her’ by Kaltun Duale, illustrated by Lulu Kitololo.
Lulu is an artist, designer and creative director who has been working in the creative
industry for 10 years. She owns Asilia, a graphic design studio that works with people
and organisations who are passionately creating new narratives. In addition to working
with clients, Asilia produces a line of design-led paper goods which includes greeting
cards and art prints.
Lulu is also Founder of Afri-love – a blog showcasing, encouraging and supporting
creative enterprise in Africa and the diaspora.
www.afri-love.com—www.weareasilia.com
These Are Our Friends was a creative project that used spoken word and poetry as a tool for young people to
widen their knowledge on FGM, explore girlsʼ and womenʼs experiences of FGM and amplify their voices as
Youth Advocates. These are our Friends highlights the fact that FGM is an issue in the UK and is not a
problem that occurs in ‘another faraway country’; that FGM is a problem for everyone, it is a problem that is
happening in OUR communities. The project resulted in the creation of a book of poetry.
There are five pieces of art that accompany the These Are Our Friends poetry book. The poems have been
beautifully illustrated by talented and creative professionals from the worlds of fashion, graphic and web
design, social media and music.
Shepherd Manyika, a multi-disciplinary artist who created soundscapes to a selection of These Are Our
Friends poems, added a fresh dimension to the project. This will be playing in the background on the opening
night. Shepherd graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2011, he lives and works in London.
www.shepherdmanyika.tumblr.com
These Are Our Friends These Are Our Friends These Are Our Friends These Are Our Friends
The Party Plan The Party Plan The Party Plan The Party Plan ---- Artwork by Gabrielle SmithArtwork by Gabrielle SmithArtwork by Gabrielle SmithArtwork by Gabrielle Smith
Canvas on wood frame | 42x59.5cm | Starting bid £80
Poem ‘The Party Plan’ by Fanta Kone, illustrated by Gabrielle Smith
Gabrielle is a young creative with a passion for innovation and collaboration. She
currently works as a motion graphic designer for ITN where for over five years, she has
created images to enhance the storytelling of global news events. Gabrielle is also the
founder of The:nublk – an award-winning blog, which after six years, continues to
engage its audience through curated and created content by informing, educating and
connecting them to the often untold and inspiring stories of creatives from Africa and the
Diaspora.
www.iamthenublk.com—www.heygabi.com
The poetry book and prints of These Are Our Friends artwork are also available to buy during the
exhibition and from FORWARD: [email protected]
The canvas prints in the exhibition will be available to buy on the eBay auction page.
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We, Us, Community We, Us, Community We, Us, Community We, Us, Community ---- Artwork by Justin McKenzieArtwork by Justin McKenzieArtwork by Justin McKenzieArtwork by Justin McKenzie
Canvas on wood frame | 42x59.5cm | Starting bid £80
Poem ‘We, Us; Community’ by Foosiya Ahmed, illustrated by Justin McKenzie
Justin started out in the education, social care and youth work fields, before
developing a career in art & design, setting up as a freelance artist, illustrator
and graphic designer in 2002. In 2014, as a co-founder and Creative Director of
Jazz re:freshed, Justin made the step to incorporate as a not-for-profit music
and arts organisation, resulting in gaining NPO status from Arts Council
England, starting 2015. Justin was the Photography art director on the Create
Art to Create Change project.
www.jazzrefreshed.com
Game Face Game Face Game Face Game Face ---- Artwork by Sadia RafiqueArtwork by Sadia RafiqueArtwork by Sadia RafiqueArtwork by Sadia Rafique
Canvas on wood frame | 42x59.5cm | Starting bid £80
Poem ‘Game Face’ by Ikram Nur, illustrated by Sadia Rafique
Sadia is a graduate of Central St Martins who specialises in apparel graphic design and
illustration and has been involved in two major collaborations with Puma and Lot78. In
her last full-time role, Sadia was a Senior Graphic Designer for women’s wear at DKNY
Jeans based in Singapore. She is now a Creative Director at her own consultancy and
Art Director at Endrime.
www.sadiarafique.com
These Are Our FriendsThese Are Our FriendsThese Are Our FriendsThese Are Our Friends ---- Artwork by OddKinCreateArtwork by OddKinCreateArtwork by OddKinCreateArtwork by OddKinCreate
Canvas on wood frame | 42x59.5cm | Starting bid £80
Charlene Edwards works as a fashion/graphic designer for various high street retailers,
but needed another creative outlet after becoming a parent. This came in the form of
painting portraits at home, which then planted the seed of OddKinCreate.
Years of experience in brand consultation, retail, fashion, art & music makes for a
beautiful melting pot of creative ideas & projects to be shared between friends, family &
associates, who have now become 'Creative Kin'.
@okcreator—www.oddkincreate.com
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Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!
FORWARD is grateful to ALL of the inspiring and amazing artists who have contributed
their work, time and passion to this exhibition. In particular FORWARD is honoured to
work with our Youth Advocates - you inspire us! We are greatly appreciative and
thankful to all the artists who donated their work to the auction. All proceeds will go to
FORWARD’s projects working to end FGM and Child Marriage Campaign.
A special thanks to Richard ‘Rich Blk’ Mkoloma for his hard work curating the exhibition
and his dedication in working with the young people to develop their pieces; Justin
McKenzie for his time and patience in supporting the young people to develop such
amazing photographs; Aga Tamiola for organising Traditions Run Deeper Than Law
and for your perseverance and passion to raise further awareness of FGM and of the
work of FORWARD. It has truly been a pleasure and honour to work with you. A big
thank you to the Red Gallery for hosting the exhibition and for being great and
accommodating hosts!
Finally a big thank you to everyone who has visited the exhibition.
Thank you for: taking the time to read the words; study the pieces; being open to
experiencing different ways of understanding these sensitive issues; and for supporting
the artists and their contribution towards creating positive social change.
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How Can You Help?How Can You Help?How Can You Help?How Can You Help?
There are several ways in which YOU can help change lives and achieve a safer and healthier
future for African women and girls. Please contact FORWARD for further information or to
discuss your interest.
Here are just a few ways that you can get involved:
• Raise awareness in your local area and within your community
• Become a supporter, volunteer or member of FORWARD
• Fundraise for FORWARD
• Make a regular or one off donation to FORWARD
• Join our ‘Young People Speak Out’ programme to gain skills in mentoring, advocacy and
campaigning. Please contact our Youth Programme for more information
To donate towards FORWARD’s work please:
• Visit www.justgiving.com/forwarduk
• Visit www.forwarduk.org.uk/donate
Please contact FORWARD for more information, materials and support.
Suite 2.1 Chandelier Building
8 Scrubs Lane
London, NW10 6RB
T: (020) 8960 4000
E: [email protected] W: www.forwarduk.org.uk
Twitter: @FORWARDUK
Facebook: FORWARD UK
FORWARD is a UK registered charity: 292403
Donate to support FORWARD’s work now!
Simply text ‘FWRD30 £your donation’ to 70070 (e.g. FWRD30 £10)