I am an American social justice artist based out of London. I graduated from Central Connecticut State University with my B.A. in Art and I am currently working towards my M.A. in Curating Contemporary Design at Kingston University. I see photography and film as tools that can help express emotions, tell stories one is not able to tell with words and help people to be more understanding and empathetic. In the past, I explored the states of mental illnesses, especially depression, through my art. At the moment, I am working on the photography series "Bedroom".
"Bedroom” explores ownership of ones own body. It currently focuses on the female body. It considers the male gaze and how that effects women. In addition, it explores sexual assault and unwanted physical contact.
After my own MeToo experience, I had a hard time creating; thus, when my partner Ryan suggested an art collaboration focused on my experience in hopes to help me heal; I gave it a try.
After creating “92 Seconds” my creativity was reawakened. I had power over my own story. Since then, I have been trying to create work that makes survivors and any women who have ever felt objectified (that’s all of us, FYI) feel less alone.
"Bedroom” is a series of self-portraits and portraits. It began with more collaborative work with fellow women, like “Rag-doll” featuring Sare Courtemanche but has since became largely self-portraits due to the pandemic.
This images contain us within a box, a room. It explores how spaces that should feel safe, no longer do. These spaces are fabricated to make them quite surreal looking. Though these images look surreal, they are real to us. They are based on real stories that happened to real women. This is our reality.
"92 Seconds" was directed by Ryan Sehmi and tells my story. It talks about my sexual assault and my fight to reclaim my power. This film reignited my creative energy. "92 Seconds" won runner up and Lift Off film festival.
"I Was a Virgin" is a stop motion film featuring Shelline Jeanty.
"My Memories Skipped" is a stop motion film featuring Kendra Roy.
"23 Percent" is my newest film and has yet to be screened, which is why it is password protected. It explores the aftermath of sexual assault.
This film is password protected until after it has been released. If you are a representative from a gallery please reach out to Michaela Salvo at mgianni.salvo@gmail.com for the password.
