Artist Statement

For my SAB project, I focused on the struggles that come with being a woman, particularly in relation to the male gaze. Women are often objectified and judged based on their appearance, regardless of their clothing or intentions. This work was heavily inspired by the exhibition What Were You Wearing? by the Susan B. Anthony Project, which displays the outfits worn by victims at the time of their assaults. The range of clothing—from infant onesies to wedding dresses—creates a stark and unsettling contrast, revealing the flawed and harmful narratives that continue to persist in society.

Through this piece, I aim to bring attention to the pervasive belief that others, often men, hold some form of authority over a woman’s body. This assumption is fundamentally untrue. A woman’s body belongs only to herself. Central to this work is the assertion that assault and rape are never the victim’s fault, despite the widespread misconceptions that suggest otherwise. Clothing, behavior, or appearance do not justify or cause harm; responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator.

The work also addresses the culture of shame that often surrounds survivors, particularly within societal and legal systems where blame is frequently redirected onto victims. Questions such as “Well, what were you wearing?” or “Did you give him a reason?” expose the deeply ingrained biases that perpetuate victim-blaming. To that, I ask: what gives anyone the right? A baby is not “asking for it,” a child is not “asking for it,” and no one is ever asking for harm.

With this piece, I ask viewers to reflect on these ideas and to challenge them when they encounter them. So, what were you wearing—and does it really matter?