‘To Gisèle’, the art exhibition to honor the woman who was raped and did not want to hide
‘To Gisèle’ is an art exhibition in Madrid honoring a survivor of rape who chose not to be victimized, featuring works by four diverse artists.
In Madrid, the gallery Travesía Cuatro is hosting the exhibition 'À Gisèle', which pays tribute to a rape survivor who bravely chose not to hide her story. Running until January 17, the exhibition is curated by Laura López Paniagua, who has gathered four artists from different generations and countries to create a narrative that focuses on dialogue and social reinvention rather than directly illustrating the traumatic events associated with the 'Pelicot case'.
The exhibition serves not only as a remembrance but also as an intimate act of respect, focusing on the experiences of survival and resilience against victimization. Each artwork aims to evoke a sense of ambiguity, inviting viewers to engage with complex emotions and social dialogues instead of reducing the narrative to a simplistic account. The participating artists—Armineh Negahdari, La Chola Poblete, Kiki Smith, and Maya Pita Romero—bring diverse perspectives and styles to the exhibition, challenging audiences to reshape their understanding of trauma and survival.
This initiative underscores the importance of representing stories of survival in contemporary art, allowing for personal and collective reflections on issues of violence against women. By fostering conversations around such experiences, the exhibition not only pays homage to an individual but also seeks to contribute to the broader narrative about women's rights and societal perceptions of victimhood in Spain and beyond.