Galleries Exhibition, Panel Discussion Confronts Domestic Violence Issue

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by their partner in the United States.

The Winthrop University Galleries tackles this issue head-on with its newest exhibit "Voices," a video installation focusing on domestic violence created by artist Cat Del Buono. "Voices" will be on view Jan. 20-March 11 in the Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Gallery.

Supported by the ISE Cultural Foundation NY, Winthrop University's Relationships and Power Series, and the university's Global Learning Initiative, Del Buono's exhibition strives to "draw attention to domestic violence, eradicate the silence that surrounds it and empower survivors." On multiple video monitors, viewers will only see the mouth of an anonymous domestic violence survivor sharing her first-hand experiences with abuse. As the viewer enters the installation, a "concert of voices creates a symphony of incomprehensible words"- only when the viewer comes close to a single monitor does each narrative become clear.

Del Buono's exhibit captures thought-provoking stories from diverse survivors across the country. She has worked with Rock Hill organizations to include the personal experiences of women in the local community as part of the installation. Ultimately, "Voices" reminds us "as a society, we must not allow the epidemic of domestic violence and those who are affected by it to remain an invisible and inaudible crowd of statistics."

Del Buono received a B.A. from Boston College and an M.F.A. from the School of Visual Arts and attended the graduate film program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Trained as a photographer and filmmaker, Del Buono now focuses on creating video installations and public happenings raising awareness on women's issues and body image.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, Jan. 22 from 6:30—8 p.m.

Continuing the conversation

In the last few years, the National Football League (NFL) has made domestic violence awareness and prevention one of their top priorities. Artist Del Buono worked with the NFL to find a panelist who could drive home this message at a Jan. 21 panel discussion, who she found in social justice activist Tony Porter. Recognized internationally for his efforts to prevent violence against women and girls by promoting a healthy, respectful manhood, Porter is also the co-founder of A CALL TO MEN and serves as adviser to the NFL, the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Hockey League (NHL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) on these issues. He is a leading voice on male socialization, the intersection of masculinity and violence against women, and healthy, respectful manhood. Porter's TED Talk was named by GQ Magazine as one of the "Top 10 TED Talks Every Man Should See."

The discussion begins at 7 p.m. in Dina's Place, located in the DiGiorgio Campus Center on campus. It is free and open to the public.

The event will be moderated by Dr. Jennifer Disney, professor and chair of political science and director of gender and women's studies at Winthrop University.

Panelists include:

Cat Del Buono, artist
Jada Charley, executive director of Safe Passage;
Kit Guelle, advocate, survivor and subject of the HBO documentary, "Private Violence;"
Heather Litzinger, member of Moms Demand Action;
Tony Porter, author, educator, co-founder of A CALL TO MEN and advisor to professional sports leagues;
Katie Reid, advocacy and outreach coordinator for the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault;
Angie Wells, youth services officer with the Rock Hill Police Department.

Tying into this powerful theme, campus-wide partners are collaborating for a special year-long series of events to raise awareness about domestic violence, sex/gender/sexuality identity issues, and the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships.

Titled the "Relationship and Power Series," upcoming events include:

Dec. 7 — Mar. 11: "Cozy" by Kristen Smith Skees, Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Gallery
Feb. 8—16: "Love Week" including performances of the "Vagina Monologues"
Feb. 12: Relationships & Power: Embodying Stories - Theatre for Social Change Workshop, Assistant Professor of Theatre Laura Dougherty, 2 p.m., Rutledge Gallery
March 8: Question Bridge: Women's Voices, 7 p.m. Dina's Place
March 31—April 2: Southeastern Women's Studies Association Conference, DiGiorgio Campus Center
April 6—10: "Slaughter City" by Naomi Wallace, Johnson Theatre

Winthrop University Galleries hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. It is closed on weekends and university holidays. All artist talks, exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public.

For more information, call the Galleries at 803/323-2493 or e-mail Karen Derksen, Galleries director, at derksenk@winthrop.edu. Follow the Galleries online on Facebook or Twitter.