by Claudia Sunderland

Claudia Sunderland explains: "I am very interested in the perception of the female sex in modern society. In this project I have decided to examine religious references and the influence of Christianity on our perceptions and how this lends itself to creating myths about domestic violence. The original idea was to create a poster which could reach men as well as women who have not experienced domestic violence. I wanted to overcome the apathy and ignorance which surrounds the issue. Crucifix (63k) The first image takes the crucifix away from the image of the man suffering for all mankind and places a woman in that aggressive, uncomfortable pose. I wanted to depict a woman trapped "nailed down" by humilation, shame and fear. I wanted the position and the "zombie" look of the woman to represent physical and emotional torture. The caption of "mother, daughter, sister, wife" at her head, arms, and legs points out to people that they probably did know this woman, that she wasn't anonymous or to be ignored-- she was omnipresent. The four types of female relative represent the one in four women who suffer from domestic violence. Recognize it! Mother and Child (81k) The second photo uses the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus idea of a woman's place in the Bible. Most women (Good and well behaved women that is) are baby machines. A good woman is a good mother. Something which is still believed today. I wanted to depict this, and then by giving the model a black eye (not literally!) I wanted to shatter people's idea that this "kind" of woman would not ever be in a situation where her partner beat her. Many believe that domestic violence only occurs to "certain types" of people in certain classes-- this is far from the truth. Understand it! Genesis (75k) The third picture has the caption "Genesis 4. 16"-- this is a reference to a passage in the Bible where God discovers that Adam and Eve have eaten the forbidden fruit. Adam blames Eve for tempting him with it and Eve is punished with child birth, no joy in conception, and her husband must rule over her. One interpretation is that some women will stop at nothing and that they use their sex for control. They are tarts, bitches, manipulative and sinful. Also the idea that some women deserve punishment or even ask for it. Another interpretation of this could be that Eve went on a quest for knowledge (the apple) and was punished for getting ideas above her station. And so it was decided that men should dominate. Change it! The Last Supper (58k) Here the model is holding a fish and a loaf of bread-- she is squeezing them tightly as she is angry and bitter from the suffering she has endured. This picture is questioning ideas of domesticity-- she will no longer cook for her man so that his dinner is waiting on the table. The red wine represents the blood which has been spilled in this relationship. As she sits defiantly with these items, she has decided she will no longer cook and clean and take beatings for him-- this is "The Last Supper" Encourage it!