Immy Mali
Ugandan
LORD
2016
Wooden bed frame, mattress, and razor blades
Alle School of Fine Arts and Design Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Mali creates a space where women can discuss their experiences by sharing her sexual assault story. Mali shows women resilience and what can be overcome once the pain is embodied in an emotion that can be touched (Kiwere, 2017). LORD considers the pain and trauma that occurs when society suppresses women’s expression their agony from abuse. Mali addresses the contradiction between women’s strength and weakness, suggesting that women can gain power when they admit that they are powerless and need support to heal from abuse (IAM, 2016). LORD conveys the narrow line between love/pleasure and hate/pain, capturing the complex emotions women facing sexual abuse have to deal with. Mali also to confronts societal denial and complicit silence about the taboo pain and abuse that often goes unspoken in Ugandan communities (Mali, 2016).
References:
- Deursen, Rosalie van. “Seven Hills: The Kampala Art Biennale.” ORG, 8 Oct. 2016, africanah.org/seven-hills-the-kampala-art-biennale/.
- Kiwere, Nathan. “ARTS: Inside Immy Mali’s Pain Machine.” The Independent Uganda, 20 Feb. 2017, www.independent.co.ug/inside-immy-malis-pain-machine/.
- IAM Team. “Strength and Vulnerability: Stacey Abe Gillian & Immaculate Mali – IAM – Intense Art Magazine.” IAM, 24 Oct. 2016, www.iam-africa.com/stacey_abe_gillian_immaculate_mali/.
