¡Basta ya! Territorialization of public space with street art against sexual assault

Kuvaus

Public space represents city's ability to enhance the quality of urban life, which includes access and use for all citizens, free from spatial exclusion or fear. However, various studies have shown that sexual assault out on the streets is deep and systematic. Sexual assault is defined as unwanted sexual contact and can include anything from verbal suggestions and groping to a rape and its impact ranges from immediate to long-term multiple physical, sexual and mental consequences. Also, although women and other minorities are freer to move in public space than few decades ago, they are still very aware that they are allowed to do different things in public than men as the street continues in so many ways to be a place for maleness.
This presentation explores the ability of wall writings against sexual assault to territorialize public space. It is based on field work done by walking in Spain and Greece between 2015 and 2024 in the neighbourhoods that are known for their activist communities. The author utilizes her photographs and interviews to analyse the wall writings that are linked to broader social contexts and can empower the passers-by. The occupation of walls and bodily presence in public space are understood as practices of territorialization and communication that intend to resist sexual assault. Activists' strategy is to transform the city space with territorialization as a safer and more welcoming place for women and other minorities to move around and to enjoy city life.

Aikajakso	3 heinäk. 2025
Tapahtuman otsikko	Urban Creativity Conference : Territory
Tapahtuman tyyppi	Konferenssi
Konferenssinumero	12 edition
Sijainti	Lisbon, PortugaliNäytä kartalla
Vaikuttavuus / laajuus	Kansainvälinen