It can be difficult to describe the pervasiveness of sexual harassment to people who don’t experience it firsthand. I can’t even count how many times I’ve tried to convey the constant violations that women deal with every single day to the men in my life, and even though they’re listening, I can tell they’re not truly getting it. I don’t blame them, either; it’s tough to grasp the full scope of everyday sexism if it’s not cat-calling you and pinching your ass on the bus on the daily.
But a picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words, and artist Allaire Bartel’s “Boundaries” photography series is a potent, powerful illustration of how everyday sexism and misogyny feels.
According to Bartel’s artist statement on her website:
“In this series you will see one woman, an average young professional, depicted in routine daily situations. The concept of male entitlement is represented by male arms and hands performing a variety of actions that are overwhelmingly intrusive on her body and her life. In each situation she maintains a blank expression, a visual choice that demonstrates how conditioned we as women have become to accept this atmosphere as excusable and even normal."
Powerful stuff, right? Bartel is selling prints of her Boundaries photos to benefit the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. Click here to support the cause.
