At the Intersection of Domestic Violence Activism and Art

Since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I am highlighting an artist who uses his gift to promote domestic violence awareness. Mark Hall was inspired to create his works when two different students asked for help to deal with an abusive partner. Unsurprisingly, women of college-age (18-24) are the most common victims of intimate partner violence.

In previous posts, I’ve featured unique ways in which people use their strengths for activism, such as theater and crafting.

[Are you interested in making a difference doing something you love? Use What’s On Your Sign? to guide you.]

The Inspiration

Hall describes how he decided to use his art for domestic violence activism:

While at Maryville College I had two students come to me and tell me they had been or were being abused by their boyfriend. I took what measures I could to ensure their safety on campus and to get them help. The second student looked remarkably like the Gibson Girl of the19th century. This got me to thinking about the representation of women in the late 19th century from the commercial imagery of the Gibson Girl to the femme fatale–the seductive vamp–that was part of the male myth about women. These, though often beautiful and alluring in a very patriarchal way were not healthy and did not promote good relations between men and women.

Domestic Violence and Valentines

I asked the young lady from my class if she would find it too intrusive for me to do a series of prints about abuse.  She said no so I began looking at the 19th-century sources for female images and at 19th century Valentines.

The Art

Hall’s series of prints depict women who have suffered domestic violence. That they are Valentines, and quite beautiful, shows the juxtaposition of love and violence.

 

 

The Progression from Control to Abuse

Hall’s prints reflect the progression of abusive behaviors that victims see in real life. Abuse may start out in a way that the victim might construe as loving. She might put a positive spin on the fact that her boyfriend wants to be with her all the time.

Then it escalates into abusive tendencies, such as jealous reactions if the victim spends time with other people.

Soon he begins controlling who the victim spends time with.

If she interacts with others he may threaten her or those she loves.

Finally, the progression becomes more serious as the victim is physically abused.

Art as Activism

Hall’s prints were shown at Maryville College, in the Los Angeles area at a home for battered women and in Kansas by a nonprofit that supports abused women. The exhibition has accompanying labels giving information about abuse in the United States.

Hall wishes to offer his prints to nonprofit shelters or agencies that support abused women.

I will leave a set of unframed and unmatted prints for the agency to use as they please. For groups that are farther away, I will send at no expense a set of the prints–unframed or matted–that they can display and keep for their use.

People can reach Hall through his email: [email protected]

Resources and Support

For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) now. 

20,000 calls daily are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. Help the number shrink by supporting the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in creating a society that has zero tolerance for domestic violence.

College Campus Safety Tips for Students

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