The power of shaME

Inspired by Lucia Marcucci’s feministic art and works with her own body, “The power of shaME” is a design project that collects anonymous real life experiences of catcalling

and bodyshaming.

Without any censoring or euphemisms the collected experiences are printed by hand with stencils and pink paint on pieces of white clothing. The clothes are exhibited on mannequins in the clothing store Globus in Bolzano for a one-day installation.

It is not a secret that objectification and reduction to mankind’s body happened in the society throughout the centuries. Even now people of all colors and genders are confronted with street harassment and stereotypes on a daily basis, be it through advertisements or comments they receive from their close environment. “The power of shaME” sheds a light on this by not letting those comments be normalised, societally accepted or silently endured.

With this project we give those who experienced catcalling and bodyshaming a voice and raise awareness about the unfairness the victims are dealing with. Our name derives from the feeling of shame that those experiences often evoke in the victim and the resulting helplessness and silence they are trapped under. Hand in hand goes the immediate thought of guilt – maybe it was my fault? Maybe there is something wrong with my body, my clothes or my appearance? Did I behave inappropriately? When in reality the harassers should be the ones to feel ashamed.

The feeling of shame is powerful – but the power you hold is so much stronger.