Valerie Reding

In a world where the voices of abuse survivors are often silenced, artist Valerie Reding has embarked on a bold mission: Her project, entitled "monsters, " creates a dreamlike and multisensory space where the stories of abuse victims come to life. By combining performance, photography, painting, sound, and text in a multimedia installation, Valerie Reding aims to break the silence surrounding abuse in interpersonal relationships and empower survivors. 

The inspiration for this project came from Valerie Reding's personal experience of being in a psychologically and emotionally abusive relationship. Deeply affected by this experience that has changed how the artist perceives love, herself, others, and our interpersonal connections, she immersed herself in exploring the dynamics of abusive relationships and decided to shed light on this taboo subject.

The "monsters" project, supervised by an engaging mediation program consisting of open discussions and various community events, claims, in an empowering gesture, the monstrosity and demonization projected onto those who rise against abuses (of power) or question the systems of oppression that permeate our society.

With this transdisciplinary project, Valerie Reding celebrates resistance, solidarity, healing, love, and the liberating power of each individual's voice. With an intersectional and decolonial approach, it is also a profound and sensitive reflection on the interconnections between interpersonal relationships and societal power dynamics.

The "monsters" project is a complex work consisting of multiple components: From the creation of scripted and empowering portraits of survivors to the realization of a poetic and monumental painting triptych, including a visceral performance and the establishment of an immersive sound atmosphere, each element of the installation is meticulously designed to immerse the audience in a captivating and empowering experience.

After being presented at the TROIS C-L Maison Pour La Danse in Luxembourg and at the contemporary art space Toxi Space in Zurich, "monsters" will continue its journey through several future iterations internationally. Valerie Reding hopes to reach as many people as possible with this important and timely topic.

However, the realization of this project has not been without difficulties. Valerie Reding had to face financial challenges and resistance from some, as "monsters" addresses an emotionally charged subject with an artistic approach rooted in current socio-political discourses. But thanks to a lot of personal commitment and unpaid work, thanks to the support of partners and the determination of her team, she managed to overcome these obstacles. 

The feedback from the public and art professionals has been extremely positive, highlighting the artistic quality of the work as well as its sensitivity in dealing with a complex subject. The survivors expressed their gratitude for having been included in the project, stating that it helped them in their healing process and reaffirmation of their humanity.

Through "monsters, " Valerie Reding reminds us that love and abuse cannot coexist. She encourages us to recognize our interconnectedness and to act with compassion and solidarity.