'The Space Between' showcases creative works by student survivors of sexual violence

LAWRENCE — An exhibition opening this month at the University of Kansas is shining a spotlight on creative works produced by student survivors of sexual violence.

“The Space Between” opens Oct. 25 in the Kansas Union Gallery, and an opening reception will take place from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 27. The exhibition features creative works from KU students who have experienced sexual violence, centering on the space between harm and healing. 

The works offer different perspectives and points of connection to the broader conversation about experiences of gender-based violence. 

“The Space Between” is put on by KU's Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Center (SAPEC) and is organized by Faith Maddox, a SAPEC peer educator, with mentoring and support from Kelsey Hunter, SAPEC education program coordinator.

Maddox, who is a senior from Topeka majoring in English, was inspired to organize the exhibition after leading a self-care drawing event for SAPEC in April.

"Visual art and poetry offer a unique opportunity for survivors to connect with a version of themselves that is rooted in healing and self-compassion," Maddox said. "An exhibit like this also allows other members of the community to interact with these experiences from a place of allyship and direct listening that is not always immediately available or accessible."

"The Space Between" has no central voice or singular overarching message to be imparted upon the viewer, Maddox said.

"Rather, it is a quilting together of individual expressions and meanings of survivorship unique to their creators," Maddox said.

"The Space Between" runs through Nov. 12.