Untold Stories

About

"Discrimination strikes at the very heart of being human. It is harming someone's rights simply because of who they are or what they believe. Discrimination is harmful and perpetuates inequality. We all have the right to be treated equally, regardless of our race, ethnicity, nationality, class, caste, religion, belief, sex, gender, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex characteristics, age, health or other status." - (Amnesty International 2021).

Lis Naylor is a visual artist based in Leicester whose practice focuses on the oppression of women in marginalised groups. Through an interactive workshop, Naylor collaborated with the Zinthiya Trust, writer and performer Bridie Squires and wellbeing specialist Parmjit Sagoo to hear from local women who have experienced violence and abuse. Naylore used this session as inspiration to develop a new series of artwork that platforms these women's voices.

Many of the women involved in the project must maintain anonymity for their own safety, meaning there is little opportunity for them to find freedom of expression in their everyday lives. This project aimed to offer a space where they could come together to express themselves safely and freely through creativity.

Untold Stories platforms their stories, demonstrating the power of art in aiding healing and mental wellbeing. The exhibition aims to highlight signs of abuse, raise awareness of these issues and explore what survival looks like now.