Visual artist, Heidi Mielke’s exhibition, which is currently on display at Constitutional Hill Women’s Prison until 18 December, is about the abuse of women and children and coincides with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
The exhibition consists of a range of hand-printed, photographic and printmaking images. Pressing home the reality of abuse, a daily occurrence in our society, one of the pieces features a variety of published stories about abuse along with images of violence.
Mielke said that with each piece she grappled with the uncomfortable territory of trauma and violence. “I have intentionally avoided further victimisation and sensationalism by consciously not revealing the identity of the victims. I have, therefore, actively turned the camera on myself and have utilised symbolic metaphors to perform and depict generic and specific cases of violence,” Mielke explained.
The artist uses natural objects symbolic of alienation or defence – skulls, hair and thorns – in relationship to the softness of skin to engage the paradox and discomfort of violence and vulnerability. Mielke, who draws inspiration from Diane Victor, a contemporary South African artist, stated, “My exhibition is not an easy exhibition to view, but then when is violence against women and children a pleasant topic? It is very confrontational, as my aim as a visual artist is to get the viewer to look and engage with social justice concerns.”
She explained that having the exhibition at the women’s prison at Con Hill, a site synonymous with violence and a reclaiming of power, also provides her with a space for heightened public exchange and interaction and a chance to engage people on the topic of gender- and child-based violence.
Details: heidi_mielke@hotmail.com
