Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict

I was commissioned to photograph the groundbreaking exhibition Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict at London's Imperial War Museum. The challenging subject matter meant that a sensitive approach was vital. The exhibition – for which admission is advised only for those aged 16 or over – runs until 02/11/2025.

Nissen Richards Studio designed the exhibition and graphics, delivering a calm and clear exhibition design language that would support visitors and respect the impact of the stories being told.  It is the first exhibition by a major museum in the UK to shine a light on this difficult subject matter and has been created with the aim of empowering survivors, informing visitors, and contributing towards meaningful change.

Nissen Richards Studio liaised with The London College of Fashion to select a student to work with on textiles and embroidery within the exhibition, delivering a human and tactile aspect to the design. Instead of conventional graphic interpretation panels, the collaboration between the design team and student Yi-Ching Wang used fabric and thread in abstract ways. The IWM’s interpretative text was printed onto canvas and sewn into fabric panels, where sewn line work expresses each room’s theme.

As part of preparations for photographing the finished project, I visited Yi-Ching Wang and the design team at their studio, to photograph and film their collaboration on the embroidery pieces.