On the 4th and the 5th of March, art created by domestic abuse survivors in Wiltshire went on display in an exhibition called The Next Chapter.
“I was able to feel a sense of relief from the pain I suffered at the hands of a monster,” one contributor said.
The Next Chapter includes paintings, drawings and poems which had been created by men, women and children who had been through domestic abuse support in Wiltshire.
Coordinated by Wiltshire Council, we worked with FearFree, GreenSquare Accord, and The Nelson Trust, to produce the art for this collaborative exhibition.
This wasn’t only a showcase of talent but a way to explore a powerful, personal perspective through art.
The opening day also featured a special performance from Cantiamo Female Voice Choir at 1pm, singing a selection of empowering songs including Man, I feel like a Women, Holding out for a Hero and an ABBA melody.
‘From the heart’
When the clients arrive at the refuge we run art classes as a mean of therapeutic expression and an activity for themselves and their children.
One woman who produced art for the exhibition said: “With the art I created, I expressed my emotions and I was able to feel a sense of relief from the pain I suffered at the hands of a monster. I put the brush in the black paint, it just happened from there, I did not know what I was painting. It came from the heart. I want people to see my work and understand that domestic abuse is a serious matter. I am looking forward to [people] seeing the art and get them to imagine what life is like in an abusive relationship.”
Diana, who works at Julian House, added: “It’s remarkable to witness the transformation of the women who were once denied the simple joy of painting due to their coercive circumstances now embracing art as a tool for healing and empowerment.”
The exhibition also featured podcasts produced by students from Wiltshire schools during healthy relationship workshops run by Collaborate Digital. This interactive element allowed spectators to explore the stories behind the art and give a deeper understanding of each piece.
To listen to the narratives behind each piece, please find the stories from the survivors here.
The exhibition was hosted by Wiltshire Council at County Hall in Trowbridge on 4 and 5 March.
https://me-page.com/project/277079/f44077ec50251d1dba77afa22fc66ed9
