#MeToo

“For the first time in modern history, survivors are being given space to come forward publicly with their stories and foster discussion on how to end rape culture. In the absence of this space, people often have had to heal in silence, privately processing the trauma they’ve endured.”

Inspired by the #MeToo movement, Amanda Picotte’s work focuses on the sensitive nature of rape and the survivors of sexual assault through portraiture and interviews. Picotte captures photos of women who have experienced some form of sexual violence and documents them during their healing process in effort to aid the women affected as well as end the stigma of speaking up about rape. During a time where the topic is on everybody’s minds thanks to the strength of women in the media (and particularly women in the film industry) it’s essential for people to continue the conversation by speaking up about their own realities and to me, Picottes’ work speaks volumes. She has an even more elevated understanding of what the many women she photographs have experienced due to her own intimate experience as a survivor which is evident in her work. The relationship between her and her subjects is relaxed and natural, taking her work from portraits of women to a powerful and compelling narrative told effortlessly through the medium of photography. The project is ongoing so be sure to look out for more of Picotte’s work on her social media and website.