This drawing depicts two different people’s arms grasping one another through a barrier, which is breaking at the point of their contact, with the words ‘Solidarity Across Borders’ across the top of the image. I drew this as a way of illustrating the power of solidarity amongst women across the globe, and that social and political constructs such as borders and racial dichotomies can be overcome to achieve empowerment. Obstacles such as these have long plagued Western feminism by overlooking the experiences of women who live as part of a minority, whether it be one of race, class, sexuality, ability, or otherwise. This overlooking of experiences has left many women’s voices out of important conversations concerning women’s liberation and equality, which in turn has caused anything labelled ‘feminist’ to be off-putting to women who don’t see themselves represented by the feminist movement. I also ensured to have the arms in the image be reaching from the same height in order to avoid imagery that may evoke saviourism, which is yet another problem found in ‘white feminism’ that generalizes women of colour in a way that erases their agency and assumes Western superiority.
Images are powerful tools, both in activism and education, and visual literacy is an important skill in creating these images as well as analyzing other media. Images are often also an access point to information and ideas for people who may not be able to access that information in other forms (e.g. reading articles, attending talks and rallies, listening to news or podcasts). Imagery also, for the most part, acts as a universal language for people across the world, creating connections between people who otherwise could not fully communicate beyond the barriers of their own spoken and written languages. By interpreting concepts found in transnational feminism and applying them to images, we open an additional channel through which to hold conversations and spread ideas.
Keywords: solidarity, illustration
Author: Jor Ishdala
Wow this is beautiful! The image is so powerful and captures what you are trying to say perfectly. When I first looked at your image I was struck by the truth behind the drawing. We can easily break down borders if we work together to create a world where we don't have any boundaries. I especially liked how you mentioned why you chose to draw two female hands. Letting women have a voice is important and show casing that in your art was very powerful. I also found your explanation of your process behind the placement of the hands to be so engaging. You obviously put a lot of thought and time into your creative piece and it was very…