Nell-Louise has documented her process of stitching the names of many South Africans killed by GBV perpetrators @nelllouise_mendingthreads Each victim’s name is embroidered with a running stitch in red cotton thread on white fabric. Red symbolises blood and fear, white symbolises lost innocence – both personally and collectively. Nell- Louise has stitched 1,600 names, including the unknowns. The list is growing daily and unknown/unreported names run into the hundreds. The cloth is approximately 12 meters long. Nell-Louise is now creating a solo performance with her embodied artwork in public spaces. The audience is invited to witness her mindfully embroidering additional names. Her black dress is embroidered with red crosses in remembrance of countless losses, funerals, and grieving mourners. The crosses also represent the raped survivors who suffer lifelong physical and mental wounds. “I am creating awareness. I want the audience to not look away, not feel that GBV is not their problem, or that they can’t do anything about it. None of us are immune to the consequences of gender based violence in our communities. I want people to pause, pay respect, become aware, and spread the message to end GBV.” Nell-Louise continues with her impassioned plea, “I feel a deep sadness yet a strong sense of urgency for change. Hear our cries Mr. President! End GBV in South Africa!”
Dec 2022 | Collective Action Magazine
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