My work explores gender-based issues – the violence faced by women and children in our societies, e.g. the constant objectification of women and the complicit role of the media. Through the use of everyday items such as dollar bills, plastic shop display containers as well as images of my body and others’, I investigate these issues and how they eventually become internalized and are often seen as a norm. I am interested in social interventions rather than simply the making of things for display. From these observations/experiments, there is a need to explore the “why” factor of the use of women and children for capital gain – for exchange. The work seeks to create awareness by engaging the audience. The inspiration behind this is drawn from my own journey of self-discovery, a confrontation of self and also my mother’s battles with her past experiences and the rippling effects that have occurred. My mother’s stories not only serve as inspiration and motivation for the current work, but also bring about the transformation of silence into a language of action.

∞

Shanice Smith received two certificates from The University of the West Indies Open Campus in Social work and Psychology (UWI) before going on to pursue her Bachelor’s in Fine Art, also at UWI. Her work — primarily mixed media, video and performance pieces — investigates how messages are conveyed in the public domain.  She is concerned with female exploitation and objectification and also has a keen interest in childrens’ issues. Her most recent work was staged at the Caribbean Linked IV exhibition in Aruba, in August of 2016.