We are devastated by the violent vandalism waged upon Shahzia Sikander’s “Witness.” Misogyny is again ubiquitous and…
We are devastated by the violent vandalism waged upon Shahzia Sikander’s “Witness.” Misogyny is again ubiquitous and must be confronted and contained. Minerva stands in solidarity with Shahzia’s decision to leave the wound visible and invites discourse as a move towards disarming prevailing hatreds against women.
The story:
Repost from @seankellygallery
On the morning of Monday, July 8, at the height of a category I hurricane on the University of Houston campus, Shahzia Sikander’s sculpture, Witness, was violently attacked and decapitated. The gallery stands in solidarity with Shahzia. We are deeply upset by this recent act of violence against her sculpture. Art seeks to inspire and unite and should not be subjected to such senseless acts of violence.
As Shahzia has stated, “We are witnessing a regression of women’s rights around the world, especially in the US, and we need to stand in defiance. This violent and misogynistic act towards art, artists, and women cannot be tolerated.”
As an act of defiance and strength, Shahzia Sikander has requested that the decapitated sculpture remain in place for the duration of its exhibition through October 2024, accompanied by signage provided by the University explaining its circumstances. This act of criminal vandalism is being actively investigated by the University of Houston Police Department in collaboration with the Houston Police Department.
