Faces Behind Atrocity
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PhotographerMatilde Simas , United States
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StudioMatilde Simas
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Website
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Instagram
Human trafficking is globally pervasive, economically motivated,
and emotionally overwhelming. The exhibit “ Faces Behind
Atrocity” are portraits of 5 child victims, ages 13-16, from 4
different nationalities who have been rescued from the horrors of the trafficking world and are in the healing process. In
collaboration with the survivors, Matilde Simas worked to provide a forum for healing through art. In this portrait series low lighting was used to evoke a mood of deception and secrecy that has been endured. In a pure example of courage, many of these woman chose to hide their faces behind a mask to protect their identity. In addition to providing a visual representation of their resilience, beauty, and strength, each woman recorded a written testimony of how they were lead into trafficking and the atrocities they faced.
Matilde Simas is an award-winning photographer and filmmaker. She also serves as the Creative Art Director for the Limb Kind Foundation, where she combines her artistic vision and storytelling expertise to raise global awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with limb loss. With a background in psychology and women’s studies from Suffolk University and advanced training in digital photography at the Rhode Island School of Design, Matilde brings a unique perspective to her work, guided by a trauma-informed approach that emphasizes documenting dignity within vulnerable communities.
