Stories

" I was raped. I mean assaulted. I mean abused,": A Solo Art Exhibition by Nadine Pillay

Constitution Hill: Art Exhibition Opening

Art Exhibition Opening

My work aligns with the feminist paradigm of re-presenting the traumatized female, as I also highlight the individualism of survivors seeking to regain agency and identity. I want my audience to be able to comprehend my art through more than just visuals, breaking down the boundaries between audience and medium. I try to make the viewer feel uneasy when they view my work by utilizing the power of scent and recollections. My primary goal in creating art is to promote healing, but I also want to inform viewers about the culture surrounding rape and make more commentary on the invisible effects of rape trauma, such as nightmares and relapses.

Constitution Hill: Nadine Pillay 2023 Me too Gum series 29.7 x 42cm each

Nadine Pillay 2023 Me too Gum series 29.7 x 42cm each

In " I was raped. I mean assaulted. I mean abused," I invite you to enter a realm of raw emotion, where the unspeakable finds its voice. This exhibition is a courageous exploration of my personal journey as a survivor of rape, an experience that has touched the lives of countless others, often shrouded in silence.

At its core, this collection seeks to expose the intricacies of the survivor's subconscious, unveiling the layers of emotions that follow such a traumatic event. In sharing my own story, I aim to challenge preconceived notions about the timeline of healing, acknowledging the often tumultuous and non-linear nature of the process.

The artworks presented here reflect the struggle of finding solace after an unimaginable violation. They embody the contradictions inherent in the journey toward recovery—moments of strength entwined with vulnerability, resilience coexisting with fragility. Each piece serves as a testament to the normalcy of relapse and the persistent, silent battles fought within.

As viewers, you may feel a sense of helplessness, a desire to extend a supportive hand to those who have suffered. Yet, my exhibition gently underscores a profound truth: the path to healing for survivors is a profoundly personal and internal one. It defies conventional narratives by highlighting that, at times, the only means of finding comfort and resolution lies within the survivor themselves.

Through this exhibition, I hope to create a space for empathy, understanding, and connection. Unveiling Silence is not only a cathartic expression of my own story but an open invitation to all survivors to embrace the complexity of their emotions and the courage it takes to heal on their terms.

May this collection serve as a catalyst for dialogue, fostering a community that stands together against the silence and stigma surrounding sexual assault. Together, let us unveil the strength that emerges from vulnerability and redefine the narrative surrounding the healing journey.

Visit Constitution Hill to experience the exhibition opening:

Date: 18 November 2023

Time: 18h00

Venue: Old Fort Ramparts, 11 Kotze Street, Braamfontain, 2017

Utilise under cover parking - Joubert street entrance

Uber/Drop off point: Constitutional Court -Queen Street Boom gate entrance.

The exhibition will be up until 30 November 2023.


Constitution Hill: Nadine Pillay 2023 Ma maak iets 42 x 59.4cm each

Nadine Pillay 2023 Ma maak iets 42 x 59.4cm each

Share Article

Related News