Some things people said

Meghan Black
Some things people said
Cotton thread embroidered onto vintage handkerchiefs
434 x 43 cm
$1200

These are some of the victim blaming and dismissive things people said to Meghan Black after being raped by two strangers on the streets of Geelong. They were said by people close to her, by family, by police and members of the court. A flippant comment, so normalised and easily forgotten by the person saying it. Yet the accumulative impact is imprinted, traumatic and lasting.
These words have been embroidered over a long period of time with care to show the deep impact and lasting effects. The use of vintage handkerchiefs reflective of the tears and shame which these words can cause. The process of stitching becoming a reclaiming and empowering one.
Meghan hopes that the viewer can realise the impact and power which words have and that victim survivors can see that they are not alone. The shame connected to rape and sexual assault should be placed on perpetrators and societies judgement of victims.

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Artworks currently on exhibition can be collected from the gallery at 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000 once the exhibition has concluded. Collection is available during gallery hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12–7pm, and Saturday, 12–4pm.

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