Ask any woman you know if she’s experienced street harassment and unfortunately, chances are she will say yes. Street harassment is a pervasive problem that underscores the idea that men own and dominate public spaces, and women’s bodies are there for their enjoyment and entertainment. While street harassment can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening, women are finding creative ways to combat these occurrences. Check out these two inspiring artists who are using their work to draw attention to street harassment.
Photographer Hannah Price uses her lens as a ways to change the power exchange of street harassment. After a man harasses her, she turns her camera on them. In doing this, she changes from the observed to the observer. Price is currently living in Philadelphia, Penn., and has titled her photo project “City of Brotherly Love.” You can view her work at: www.hannahcprice.com/cityofbrotherlylove.html.
Tatyan Falalizadeh situates her art where the harassment occurs: on the street. She is an illustrator and painter from Brooklyn, New York, who started a street art project called, “Stop Telling Women to Smile.” She photographed women to create portraits that bear captions such as “My name is not baby” and “Women do not owe your their conversation. Passers-by are forced to look at these images and contemplate their meaning, hopefully engaging those who harass in an internal dialogue about their actions. Falalizadeh’s goal was to create “a bold presence for women in an environment where they are so often made to feel uncomfortable and safe. Her work can be viewed at: stoptellingwomentosmile.com.