On a wall at Beacon Street Gallery, handwritten in big letters in English, Hindi, and Urdu, are these words: “You belong to me. You’ll serve me and my whole family.” “I didn’t choose you. My mother did.” “Shut up or I’ll tear your tongue out.” Part of a work called Shame, they’re just some examples of the abuse suffered by the south Asian residents of Apna Ghar, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. Sculptor Indira Freitas Johnson, who sat in on weekly meetings at the shelter for six months, has collected these quotes and other words, images, household objects, and clothing to create Voices of Shakti: Pain, Struggle, Courage, a collaborative installation that examines south Asian attitudes toward women and domestic violence.
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Voices of Shakti will be on display at Beacon Street Gallery, 4520 N. Beacon, through May 31. Gallery hours are noon to 5 Wednesdays through Saturdays. Call 847-232-2728 for information.
