Whitney
Bradshaw

Outcry, January 20th 2018 - Present

In response to the rise of a predator to the highest office in the land, the long history of silencing of womxn and girls, and in an effort to continue to propel the #metoo movement forward, I make portraits of womxn screaming. Through this social practice project, I provide womxn space where they can practice speaking up and out for themselves. I also provide a space for them to be heard, supported, encouraged, and celebrated.

I invite groups of womxn who don't know one another to my studio for a gathering, effectively expanding our community while providing support for one another as we bravely let out feelings that have been silenced or dismissed in our culture. During each session, we talk about how our voices can save us and share self-defense strategies. The sessions are therapeutic, powerful, and fun!

It's important to me that a very diverse group of womxn is represented in the project. I do this, not only, to give voice to as many womxn as possible but also to ensure that when a woman views the project she can see someone like her in it. Likewise, when the larger audience views it they can see their mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces, etc. I hope the work empowers womxn who take part in Outcry as well as those who view it to speak up for themselves whenever they need to. Most importantly, I hope the work encourages all viewers to listen to, believe, support, care for, and, above all, respect womxn and girls.

I began this project on the night of the Women's March 2018. Since then I have photographed over 375 womxn letting it all out! When seen together these intimate representations of our individual power and expression become a monumental act of collective resistance.