The exhibition R.A.P.E. (Rare Acts of Political Engagement) is curated by Johny ML at Art Bull Gallery and Auction House, Lado Sarai, New Delhi.

24 women artists are engaging with the issues of rape and violence against women.

As part of R.A.P.E. I went to the film screening of “Bill Posters will be prosecuted” by Austrian artist Fiona Rukschcio who has been addressing issues of violence against women since the 1990’s.

 Fiona showed her utopian film “Bill Posters will be prosecuted” (Gb 1999/Austria 2002). You can find more about Bill Posters will be prosecuted” and Fiona Rukschcio here.

 The Austrian Chargé D’Affaires, Mr. Raimund Magis introduced the evening by placing violence against women in the larger framework of misuse of power and hierarchies.

 It was refreshing to see quite bold works of art made by women in New Delhi. All the artists and the film “Bill Posters will be prosecuted” definitely go beyond the victimization of women and look to alternatives for empowerment.

 On the other hand, I would have also loved to see works that commence from women as actors at the center point of desire. However, to center-stage women as subjects vs. objects of desire seems to still be a far-off dream.

 Coming back to the issue of violence against women I think it is important to recognise that perpetrators of violence are often women themselves, as long as we fail to at least acknowledge this and see violence as a structural problem, we will remain in this we-against-them-blame-game situation and have difficulties finding empowering and effective solutions.

 Overall, a great start from the art fraternity to deal with issues of violence!

After such a heavy dose hard-to-digests, I love to get back to some lighter snacks to share with friends. Join me at www.ernasgourmet.com and enjoy your meal!

 What: R.A.P.E., an art show
On till: April 30, 2013
Timings: 11am – 7pm
Where: Art Bull, F-213C, first floor, SIS House, Lado Sarai
NEAREST METRO STATION: Qutub Minar on the Yellow Line

 The film show was organized  on April 19, 2013 by Art Bull in collaboration with the Austrian Cultural Forum, New Delhi.

Maya