The expression “walking on eggshells” resonates deeply in conversations about family and domestic violence. It captures the fear, hyper-vigilance, and the delicate balance required to navigate environments where violence looms. Eggshell Walkers, a sculptural and photographic body of work, embodies this fragile tension.
At first glance, the act of walking on eggshells suggests lightness and care. Yet for those living with the threat of violence, it is an exhausting state of constant adjustment and vigilance. It is not just about being careful; it is about survival—balancing fear and the hope for safety, while carrying the weight of past experiences.
This series by Louise Whelan reflects the continuum of memory, anticipation, and resistance—a predictive act where past experiences inform a hyper-aware present, creating a cycle that seems inescapable. It is a metaphor that is both deeply personal and universally understood, an action that holds the possibility of safety, yet demands precision born of necessity.
But Eggshell Walkers is more than a visual metaphor; it is a response. Art has a unique ability to confront the silence and stigma that often surround gendered violence.
It transcends language, offering a platform for reflection, dialogue, and repair. This work aims to shift the focus from overused narratives of trauma to one of dignity and resistance.
In the realm of cultural storytelling, art holds transformative power. It shapes beliefs, perceptions, and, ultimately, actions.
Through Eggshell Walkers, you are invited to step into this tension, to reflect on the stories we carry, and to envision a future that moves beyond survival to repair and renewal.
This is art as action, art as witness, and art as a catalyst for change.
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