''DONT''
The work is called "Don't" and has a double interpretation. Ιt refers to toxic masculinity, misogyny and shows victims receiving forms of violence without giving them a chance to react. The punching bag, an object that is inextricably linked to a picture of
"strong man," is used as a mean to translate the toxic masculinity and misogyny into something tangible. The bag is wrapped with barbed wire, thus invalidating the use of the bag, which symbolizes the personality of the male as seen in the social set, wanting to prove to those around them that they are the definition of old male type.
As a base, however, the project has the soft punching bag at its center thus showing that they remain psychologically unstable, insecure and perhaps have themselves been victims of verbal or physical violence, from older people predominantly male role models, thus making them feel vulnerable.
Barbed wire is used to prevent entry to specific parts. Touching it or falling on it can injure you. This is the life of many women who accept violence but it is not easy to someone help them and give them a push to leave the environment that it hurts them, as there is fear of repercussions. This wire causes strongly the feeling of fear as well as the feeling of prohibition.
The sounds we have chosen are from celebrities who have a negative influence the public with their views, especially teenagers, as they encourage toxicity masculinity, such as podcaster Andrew Tate. We also have include excerpts from news reports that refer to incidents of violence against women. The space we chose to exhibit the work is an empty space where the work is placed in the center so that nothing distracts of the viewer. The bag is highlighted with the help of lighting and there is absolute silence to hear the sounds clearly.
