London-based Indian artist Sujata Setia has created a powerful photographic series titled “A Thousand Cuts”, drawing a potent metaphor from the historical Southeast Asian torture method of “death by a thousand cuts”. This project serves as a visual exploration of the multifaceted nature of domestic abuse within South Asian communities in the U.K. Over the past two years, Setia has closely collaborated with SHEWISE, a charity dedicated to empowering marginalized women to heal from trauma and build lives free from oppression and violence. This partnership has been instrumental in connecting Setia with survivors and fostering an environment of trust and understanding.
The genesis of “A Thousand Cuts” involved the creation of what Setia describes as a “metaphorical waiting room” in a Hounslow church, organized in conjunction with SHEWISE. This space provided a confidential setting where individuals could share their experiences without fear of judgment. These initial conversations were crucial in establishing a bond of faith between the artist and the participants, paving the way for private, one-on-one discussions and individual portrait sessions. Setia prioritized the agency of each survivor, ensuring their complete control over how they wished to be seen in their photographs.
A significant aspect of Setia’s work is to bring visibility to narratives that often remain hidden and unacknowledged. Throughout the “A Thousand Cuts” project, she carefully documented brief yet impactful stories shared by the women she photographed. The title of one portrait, “मेरी हद्द (The premise of my existence)”, encapsulates a participant’s experience with an arranged marriage to a much older man, highlighting the false promises of security that often mask future hardship. Another portrait, “अल्ला कि गाँए (God’s Cow)”, reveals the journey of a woman who, despite initially identifying as docile, discovered an inner strength that enabled her to break free from an abusive situation.
Setia’s artistic choices further underscore the themes of her project. The A4 size prints emphasize the commonplace and private nature of domestic violence. Her incorporation of sanjhi, the traditional Indian paper-cutting art, adds another layer of meaning. The intricate incisions on the portraits of anonymous participants reveal deep red backgrounds and recurring motifs of flora, birds, and female anatomy. The color red symbolizes not only sacrifice and resilience but also the promise of new beginnings for these women. The complex patterns reflect the intricate realities of South Asian women navigating societal expectations after experiencing domestic abuse.
The “A Thousand Cuts” series not only sheds light on the painful realities of domestic abuse but also emphasizes the remarkable resilience and strength of survivors. Setia masterfully balances the portrayal of their experiences with a sense of renewed hope and the possibility of healing. Her dedication to this project has been recognized with the creative category win in the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards. Through her sensitive and thought-provoking work, Setia fosters a greater understanding of the profound impact of domestic abuse and celebrates the courage of those who have survived it.
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