Rhiannon Hendricks
The What Were You Wearing? exhibit is an international survivor art installation that aims to dispel the myth that clothing invites sexual assault. The exhibition displays recreations of clothes survivors were wearing when they were assaulted, showing that someone's clothing does not equate to their consent. The exhibition has travelled across the globe, featuring at the UN Headquarters in NYC, the WEF at Davos, and the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. The exhibition includes a wide range of outfits, from baby clothes to wedding dresses, and showcases the stories of survivors. One such story, displayed next to a wedding dress, reads: On the day of my wedding...
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | White |
| Type of garment | Long gown |
| Type of exhibition | Sexual assault awareness |
| Location | Australia |
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What You'll Learn
The wedding dress and the myth of consent
The wedding dress, a symbol of purity and celebration, is often seen as a stark contrast to the horrors of sexual assault. The presence of a wedding dress in the "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit challenges societal myths and stereotypes that contribute to victim-blaming and the notion of implied consent.
The exhibit, an international survivor art installation, displays recreations of clothing worn by survivors of sexual violence, including a wedding dress, baby clothes, school uniforms, and casual attire. The powerful message conveyed is that sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of their clothing choices or the occasion. By presenting the diversity of outfits, the exhibit dispels the myth that certain types of dressing invite or imply consent for sexual assault.
The inclusion of the wedding dress in the exhibit carries a profound significance. A wedding dress typically signifies joy, love, and new beginnings. However, when paired with a survivor's story of sexual assault, it shatters the notion that a particular outfit can prevent or grant permission for such a violation. The wedding dress becomes a poignant reminder that sexual assault knows no boundaries and can occur even on what is supposed to be one of the happiest days of someone's life.
The exhibit aims to shift the focus away from the clothing and onto the act of sexual violence itself. By reading the accompanying stories, visitors are encouraged to reconsider their long-held beliefs and stereotypes about sexual assault. It becomes evident that the responsibility for the crime lies solely with the perpetrator and that clothing choices do not equate to consent in any way.
The presence of the wedding dress in the "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit serves as a powerful statement against victim-blaming and the myth of implied consent. It forces viewers to confront the harsh reality that sexual assault can occur at any time, even on special occasions, and that the blame rests solely with the perpetrator, not the survivor's clothing choices.
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Survivors' stories
The "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit features a wedding dress alongside the story of a survivor of sexual assault. The exhibition aims to dispel the victim-blaming myth that clothing invites sexual assault and reinforce the idea that survivors of sexual violence are not responsible for the crimes committed against them.
"I left a bar with a man who I trusted and believed to be my friend. I was in a relationship at the time, and this was well known by the perpetrator. I came to find out later that he would befriend women, gain their trust, and then assault them when they were vulnerable. I was wearing a blue dress, black tights, and boots. This is what I was wearing thousands of miles from home the night I was drugged, raped, and left to die."
"I was wearing a t-shirt and shorts. My abuser took me to his mother's house alone, where he mowed the yard, and I waited inside. He took a shower after mowing, called me into the bedroom, and assaulted me."
"I was assaulted by the father of my child when I was six months pregnant. I said I didn't want to have intercourse and cried silently during. He left the room to play video games when it was over."
"I was wearing an outfit my mom loved to see me in when I went to my abusive ex-boyfriend's house. He constantly told me I was his property. Today, I am becoming a teacher so I can see the signs in other 15-year-olds when they need help."
"It was the late 1970s. I was five years old. I was playing on a metal laundry hamper and injured my private parts. Instead of taking me to the hospital, my mom performed her own 'tests' on me. She penetrated me with a colonoscopy rubber hose, causing more bleeding. I was screaming and crying in pain. She dressed me in my favorite yellow nightgown and put me to bed. I never wore it again. Forty years later, it was returned to me as a horrible reminder of that night."
These stories, along with the wedding dress on display, serve as powerful reminders that sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of their clothing choices or circumstances.
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The exhibit's impact on visitors
The "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit has had a profound impact on its visitors, evoking strong emotions and challenging societal myths about sexual assault. The exhibit, which features recreations of outfits worn by survivors of sexual violence, aims to dispel the notion that clothing choices imply consent or invite assault.
Many visitors have shared their own stories of assault, reflecting on the clothing they wore at the time. For some, the exhibit has been a healing experience, helping them realize that their clothing choices did not contribute to their assault and that they are not to blame. One visitor shared that seeing the diversity of outfits reinforced that it doesn't matter what someone wears, challenging the assumption that certain attire provokes abuse.
The exhibit has also sparked conversations about the pervasiveness of sexual assault and the diverse faces of survivors. Visitors have expressed shock at seeing a wide range of clothing, from children's attire to wedding dresses, tradie uniforms, and everyday outfits. The inclusion of a wedding dress in the exhibit particularly stood out to many, highlighting that sexual assault can occur within relationships and marriages.
The impact of the exhibit extends beyond challenging victim-blaming myths. It also empowers survivors to share their stories, helping them process their experiences and feel less alone. One survivor shared their experience of being assaulted by their abusive ex-boyfriend, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signs of abuse to help others. Another powerful account came from a male survivor, who disclosed his experience of childhood sexual abuse, demonstrating that men can also be survivors and encouraging them to speak out.
Through its raw and emotional displays, the "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit has left a lasting impression on its visitors. It has sparked conversations about consent, shattered myths about sexual assault, and provided a platform for survivors to share their stories, fostering a sense of community and healing.
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The exhibit's origins
The "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit is an international survivor art installation that aims to dispel the myth that a victim's clothing choice determines their consent. The exhibit originated at the University of Arkansas in 2013 and was created by Jen Brockman and Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert. It was inspired by Dr. Mary Simmerling's poem, "What I Was Wearing".
The exhibit displays recreations of the clothing survivors were wearing when they were assaulted, showing that someone's clothing does not equate to their consent. The outfits in the exhibit represent the diversity of survivors in terms of age, gender, culture, and occasion. The exhibit has travelled across the globe and has been featured at the UN Headquarters in NYC, the WEF at Davos, and the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.
One of the powerful aspects of the exhibit is the inclusion of a wedding dress among the displayed items. In the Australian exhibition of "What Were You Wearing?", a long white wedding gown was displayed alongside a survivor's story. The story, written by the owner of the dress, began with the words, "On the day of my wedding"... The inclusion of the wedding dress in the exhibit shocked many people, as it challenged the assumption that a wedding dress is inherently associated with happiness and celebration.
The exhibit aims to spread awareness that sexual assault can happen to anyone, anywhere, regardless of what they are wearing. By displaying a wide range of outfits, from baby clothes to tradie uniforms, school dresses to bikinis, and wedding dresses to t-shirts, the exhibit demonstrates the pervasiveness of sexual assault and the many different faces of survivors.
The impact of the exhibit is evident in the reactions of those who have viewed it. Many people have shared their own stories of assault and their struggles with accepting that it was not their fault because of their clothing choices. The exhibit provides a platform for survivors to share their experiences and shift attitudes about what sexual assault looks like, challenging the notion that clothing invites or provokes abuse.
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The exhibit's global reach
The "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit has travelled across the globe, reaching audiences worldwide and spreading awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault. The exhibit first originated at the University of Arkansas in 2013 and has since been featured at prominent locations such as the UN Headquarters in NYC, the WEF at Davos, and the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.
Social media has played a significant role in amplifying the exhibit's reach. Footage and stories from the exhibition, particularly the display of a wedding dress, have gone viral on platforms like TikTok. Millions of people have viewed and shared these posts, spreading the message that sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of their clothing. The exhibit's presence on social media has created a digital community where survivors can connect and find support.
The "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit has also been featured in various media outlets, including the Daily Mail and Reddit. These platforms have further extended the exhibit's reach, allowing people who may not have otherwise encountered it to learn about its powerful message. The media coverage has sparked discussions about sexual assault, victim-blaming, and the importance of consent, reaching audiences worldwide.
The global impact of the "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit has been profound, with people from different countries and cultures relating to the stories and outfits on display. It has sparked a movement towards shifting the blame away from survivors and towards holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The exhibit's international presence has united survivors and advocates, creating a global community working towards ending sexual violence and supporting those affected by it.
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Frequently asked questions
The exhibit aims to dispel the myth that a victim's clothing choice determines their consent and that clothing invites sexual assault.
The exhibit displays recreations of the clothing survivors of sexual assault were wearing when they were assaulted. These include outfits ranging from baby clothes to wedding dresses.
The exhibit originated at the University of Arkansas in 2013. It was created by Jen Brockman and Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert and was inspired by Dr. Mary Simmerling's poem, "What I Was Wearing."
The exhibit has received a range of responses, with some people finding it powerful and effective in delivering its message. Others have shared their personal stories and experiences of sexual assault, emphasizing that clothing choice does not equate to consent.
Yes, wedding dresses have been included in the exhibit. The inclusion of a wedding dress in the display has shocked some viewers, highlighting the message that sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of their clothing.
