Wilma Woolf: Temple of Safety : International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Introductory Artist’s Talk & Panel Discussion: 25 November, 6 – 8pm
Additional Artist Talk: 29 November, 2 – 3pm
Speakers for the Panel Discussion will include Carrie Scott, Art Historian & Curator, and will be chaired by Hettie Judah.
Temple of Safety is the latest work by artist Wilma WOOLF. Grounded in Woolf’s extensive knowledge in policy, research, data and testimonials on the subject of domestic abuse, Temple of Safety is based on sixteen newly drafted ‘articles’ that define a person’s emotional and physical rights within a relationship. These articles will be first unveiled on travelling billboards in London during mid-November, recognising the month that marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The work is born out of the artist’s commemorational installation Domestic, 2020, a haunting piece that documented all the women killed by male violence in the UK over an eight-year period. Furthering this vital conversation, Temple of Safety seeks to provide awareness of a person’s basic rights within a relationship and remove any confusion surrounding automatic personal freedoms.
These articles are derived from the artist’s two years of research into the drafting of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, and have been ratified by experts in the fields of Domestic Abuse; police detectives specialising in abuse, the victims, and charities that specialise in this area. Woolf says of this first iteration of the work: "You do not have to do anything to achieve, keep or deserve these rights within a relationship. They are yours simply from the result of being alive and entering into a relationship with another person. The articles are drafted to form a Temple of Safety, within which all can walk in and safety reside."
The work seeks to dismantle readily accepted patriarchal norms and clarity through the haze and confusion of abuse. This work contributes to end the questions victims of abuse ask themselves: Is it me? Did I deserve it? How could I have avoided it? If I can just remember the triggers, will it be better next time?
In support of Woolf’s work, Richard Saltoun will be hosting two events in collaboration with the artist later in November. The first, taking place on 25 November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, will showcase imagery of the billboards across London and be followed by a panel discussion on the subject of the work. Charitable donations will be encouraged during the event with funds going to an organisation supporting the cause. An informal artist talk will follow on 29 November, where Woolf will delve deeper into the process behind the development of the ‘articles’ and further plans for the campaign and work.
Further information can be found at templeofsafety.com.
