Monica Bonvicini

“The act of reclaiming words that have historically been used to marginalize or suppress women is an ongoing and complex process. These processes are rarely linear. Relationships are never one-way streets, and the use of language seems to work the same way. We must recognize that language not only describes someone; it also reveals something about the person using it. That duality is
powerful. Words like ‘Bitch’ have been used in female rap, for example, as a re-appropriation and relocation of meaning, employed to describe independent and confident women. And even though the context is different, powerful responses like that of Gisèle Pelicot have taught us that feelings of shame should change sides. The drawings in question act as a mirror, encouraging viewers to reflect
on the terms themselves and their implications. It is not just about confronting language; it is also about feeling it, experiencing its weight. Art has the unique power to reframe perception. By presenting these works in clean, white-walled spaces, the context invites viewers to engage with the words anew, stripped of distraction but rich in meaning.”
– Monica Bonvicini