Violence against women has been a recurring feature of social and political conflicts around the world. Examining specific cultural contexts in detail, this workshop focuses on three main questions:
- How have archival and documentary practices approached histories of violence against women?
- How has violence against women been subject to competing definitions, narratives and interpretations within broader national and international conflicts?
- How might artists and writers work with communities in responding to these histories?
The workshop takes place in the Tanks at Tate Modern, alongside Amar Kanwar’s The Lightning Testimonies 2007, an eight-channel video installation with accompanying archival material that explores sexual violence against women in South Asia. Kanwar will contribute to the discussion along with Joanna Bourke, Professor of History at Birkbeck, University of London. The workshop will be chaired by Nada Raza, Research Curator in the Tate Research Centre: Asia.
The Lightning Testimonies will be screened for ticket holders at 18.15, before the discussion, and at 20.15, after the workshop.
The Lightning Testimonies is on display at Tate Modern from 18 December 2017 – 29 January 2018.
Please note this event will discuss topics and events that may cause distress. Participants are encouraged to join the conversation in a supportive, safe and inclusive environment.
Tate Research Centre: Asia has been generously supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation