Roxanne Watson, guest writer
“I am a fighter! I am resilient! I changed my title from victim to victor!” Monique Calderon, guest speaker from the Treasures Foundation, chanted.
The theme of the Gallery, Unbroken, reverberated throughout the entirety of Project Cultivate’s show this past Saturday, March 18 held in UTCC. Unbroken presented artworks translated by each of the artists and performers who bravely bared their souls and shared their personal stories of survival from sex trafficking.
Those involved made sure that the harsh reality of human trafficking, sexual assault, the sex industry and the pain that each inflicts were communicated. However, the focus was on the resiliency and effervescence of the individuals who have lived through and overcome these unimaginable obstacles.
With sounds of peaceful piano filling the air, guests were asked to take time in the beginning to roam around the room, observe each of the powerful pieces, and get acquainted with the artists who created them. Each artist interpreted and translated the theme in their own way through a multitude of mediums, including graphic design, make-up artistry and sculpture.
In the back corner of the opposite side of the room, Victoria Buellow’s photos of Nicole Asher were displayed entitled “Capela de Ossos” which is the Portuguese translation for “Chapel of Bones.” These photos of Asher, a resilient victor – of Portuguese descent herself – were taken in an urban setting. Set behind industrial bars and with graffiti in the backgrounds, yet still capturing a certain vulnerability and peace.
Buellow shared that all who participated in the shoot have been affected by sexual trafficking and sexual assault.
“I wanted [the shoot] to be a regrowth period for everyone involved to share their stories as we took the pictures,” she said.
Asher talked about the bond shared between the contributors and the photographers while shooting the photos.
“This shoot meant a lot to me,” Asher said. “Because everyone involved had been through some form of sexual abuse, we felt very connected to the piece that came out in our emotions in a very raw way.”
The second half of the night was filled with various performances by students who shared differing points of view and voices of the effects of sex trafficking and assault, and the restoration process that follows.
Powerful performances by APU’s hip hop crew, Variety for One (VFO), were interwoven throughout all of the voices telling the stories of individuals from different countries and different perspectives through readings, song, spoken word and dance.
“I think it is very easy for us, for humans, even for Christians to walk around in a bubble of safety and a wellness that thinking everything is okay and great, but it’s important every now and then to be hit with the reality of the real suffering and oppression that is going on in this world behind closed doors, or even in front of our eyes,” junior Theology major Ariana Wagoner said.
When asked about her general thoughts on the performances, Wagoner said she is thankful that APU has an event such as this that raises awareness of the oppression of those who are marginalized. “To know that there are APU students and people who feel called to this work to help women, men, and victims to escape the industry, or to escape exploitation in the world and into society is amazing and I’m glad this work is being done,” she said.
The event, which was put on by the Project Cultivate team, was a compelling success.
The stories shared allowed for the audience to grieve for the hurt inflicted on fellow human beings, or perhaps the pain that they themselves have experienced. The event went beyond to be also a celebration of the strength and grace that sprouted from that hurt.
As the night came to a close, tears were shed and hugs were exchanged.
The work that Project Cultivate and the participating artists put into Saturday night’s event brought awareness and addressed a difficult reality in a beautiful and graceful way that touched every heart in attendance.