Learn more about this art piece at www.royalbowie.com/senzeni-na

There are high profile cases such as Uyinene Mrwetyana who was raped and killed in a post office by a government post office worker but then there are countless amounts of “non-newsworthy” cases of abuse and murder. The hashtag #AmINext has spread across social media. These cases are overwhelming and have only increased due to the very strict lockdowns done in the country paired with their alcohol and cigarette bans. What is more striking are the reactions when brave women decide to speak out against their abuse.

‘Senzeni Na?’ is a painting inspired by one of those brave woman who simply shared what happened to them, Odirile Moeletsi. She went to Facebook after her boyfriend hit her for the first time. Due to her post being public, it was quickly shared across the platform but what is immediately striking is the sheer volume of comments that are not in support of the victim here. Literally hundreds of comments demand what she did to deserve the abuse, claiming she is merely wanting attention or accusing her of cheating or other acts that don’t warrant the reaction she received.

The painting ‘Senzeni Na?’ is inspired by the picture she put up on her profile showing her clearly battered face. The face takes up most of the frame, unavoidable and seeking to leap out of the painting to seek your attention.

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Museum-quality print made on thick and durable matte paper. Each print is giclée-printed on archival, acid-free paper that yields brilliant prints to brighten up any room.

• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil

• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)

• Giclée printing quality

• Opacity: 94%

• ISO brightness: 104%

• Blank product sourced from Japan