ArtsyGirl Claire Nicholls | UNVEILING TRUTHS: PATHWAYS TO EMPOWERMENT

This exhibition invites me to confront the challenges faced by modern women through the lens of art therapy. As a registered art therapist and psychotherapist, I integrate archetypes, strengths-based psychology, and superhero therapy into my body of work, highlighting the ongoing inequities in our society.


Despite progress toward gender equality, I recognize that women still grapple with systemic barriers. Each piece in this collection reflects themes of trauma, empowerment, and resilience, capturing the emotions tied to disempowerment and societal stereotypes.


I utilize simple subjects that disguise more profound struggles, illustrating how many women navigate their hurts beneath a façade of normalcy—and, of course, a smile. Through bold colours, exaggerated proportions, and dynamic compositions using everyday objects layered with subtle underlying meanings, I aim to give voice to these suppressed experiences. I also incorporate a dash of dark humour, a hint of creepiness, and the occasional cautionary tale.


The realities women face remain stark: pervasive sexual harassment in sports, the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, high rates of intimate partner violence, economic inequity, and ongoing debates about reproductive rights all reveal a culture that marginalizes women.


This body of work emerges from my journey through art therapy as I confront the disadvantages and traumas that shape my identity as a woman. Each artwork serves as a cathartic release and a call to action—reminding us of the strength inherent in every woman.


Through this exhibition, I hope to inspire awareness and provoke thought that leads to change. May you find inspiration and a renewed commitment to advocate for equity and justice for all women. Join me on this journey of unveiling truths and discovering pathways to empowerment. Together, let us illuminate the path towards a more equitable future for all.



The Challenges Faced by Women and Girls

Despite significant progress over the years, women continue to face systemic and structural barriers that perpetuate inequity. Historical references and contemporary statistics paint a stark picture of the challenges that women and girls encounter daily:


Sexual Harassment in Sports

Women athletes frequently encounter sexual harassment from coaches, trainers, and team physicians. According to a 2021 report from Canadian Women & Sport, 40% of female athletes reported experiencing some form of harassment or abuse in sports settings. The culture within organizations such as Hockey Canada has been heavily scrutinized for its inadequate handling of rape allegations.


Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

The 'Red Dress' campaign serves as a powerful visual symbol of the crisis surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW). According to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Indigenous women are 12 times more likely to be murdered than non-Indigenous women. In many urban areas, Indigenous women are disproportionately affected by violence and systemic neglect.


Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

IPV rates remain alarmingly high across the country. The 2019 General Social Survey on Victimization reported that 6% of women aged 15 years and older experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in the previous five years. Shelters for women fleeing violence are often at capacity; as per local domestic violence data reports, there were over 14,000 calls to police related to domestic violence in one recent year alone.


Economic Inequity

Women are more likely to experience poverty due to sexism, stereotypes about “women's work,” and discrimination in employment. According to Statistics Canada, women earn approximately 87 cents for every dollar earned by men, with this gap widening for racialized women and those with disabilities. The cost of living exacerbates these issues; single mothers are among the most vulnerable populations.


Workplace Inequity

Women face significant barriers to career advancement and wage equality. A report from Catalyst indicates that only 28% of senior management positions are held by women. In sports, inequities persist regarding wages; for instance, a 2019 study found that female athletes earn an average of 60% less than their male counterparts in professional leagues.


Reproductive Rights

The U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade has had global repercussions on women's rights discussions. Although reproductive rights are generally protected here, a 2022 survey by Angus Reid Institute revealed that 47% of Canadians believe access to abortion services is not sufficient across the country, prompting advocacy for comprehensive reproductive health services.


REJECT THE MANDATE TO BE SMALL, SPEAK UP, BE LOUD, BREAK THE CEILING!