Art Installation ‘Raising The Red’ Honors Women Victims of Violence

An artistic display has been established to pay tribute to women who have experienced violence. Titled ‘Raising The Red’, the installation comprises approximately 34 red dresses suspended on gates, extending from Fishponds Park to St Mary’s graveyard in Bristol. Each dress symbolizes the narrative of a woman impacted by this issue. Artist, writer, and activist Ros Martin conceived this project to coincide with the United Nations’ End Violence Against Women campaign. Ms. Martin expressed her hope that the initiative would “show an international sisterly solidarity.” She stated that her inspiration came from witnessing the “spectacular” creations of Indigenous Metis artist Jaime Black, who displayed red dresses in public areas across Canada and the United States to visually commemorate women who have disappeared or died due to violence. Ms. Martin, along with a small collective of local women, commenced gatherings at Crafted by Props in Fishponds, where they adorned the dresses for ‘Raising the Red’. The exhibition also incorporates declarations from women, including: “I have a right to travel home at night and be safe” and “I have a right to feel safe in my own home.” “It gives quite a haunting effect,” Ms. Martin commented. She added, “The garments get people to stop and think and hopefully engage and start conversations.” “We hope it will continue and people everywhere will be raising red dresses to mark the 16 days of action that the UN calls for around the world,” she further stated. The installation is scheduled to remain on display until December 10. Readers can follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and submit story ideas via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites and provides information on its approach to external linking.