2010
“What Gives People Power” is an oral history project focused on people defining power and control, based on their personal experience. Through interviews with domestic violence survivors and perpetrators, as well as staff and volunteers from the House Of Ruth Maryland, the project documents connections between perceptions of power and the cycle of violence. The resulting stories give voice to the stigmatized issue of domestic violence, while bringing to light the diverse ways and means that people empower themselves.
In this installation of the audio interviews, I created a listening booth encrusted with stereotypes about what gives people power. When visitors stepped inside the booth, they listened to honest and real reflections of that same subject.
This project is a collaboration between Sharlene McNeil and Hannah Brancato, with contributions from Naomi M., Lakiesha F., and Anita R
Hear the interviews: https://whatgivespeoplepower.wordpress.com/house-of-ruth-interviews-2009-2010/