In Breaking the silence, you will encounter the work of three artists whose practices confront difficult and often unspoken truths. Each artist brings forth stories that are too frequently ignored, giving voice to experiences that have long remained in the shadows. Through their art, they challenge the tendency to look away and instead invite the viewer to bear witness, to listen, and to reflect.

These artists break the silence surrounding sexual violence and the abuse of power, transforming their personal and collective experiences into powerful visual narratives. Their work does not simply expose pain—it transforms it, reclaiming agency and dignity through creative expression. In doing so, they highlight the resilience of those who have endured and the strength that comes from speaking out.

Using diverse mediums such as drawing, collage, and photography, they turn art into both a process of healing and a means of communication. Each piece becomes a space for dialogue, empathy, and understanding, where the act of creation itself becomes an act of resistance. Breaking the silence stands as a testament to the power of art to confront injustice, provoke awareness, and inspire change.

This is the story I want to tell. About how I managed to make things right with myself. It’s not an easy story, but it is a true one.

(Bert Hemsteede)