Innocence Stolen , 2021
11 x 14 in (h x w)
Photography

Nine-year-old “Mary-Anne” lives in a long-term living facility for cybersex trafficking survivors in Manila, Philippines.

“‘SURVIVOR: A Global Look at Human Trafficking’ is an extensive portrait series that sheds light on the underrepresented and often ignored survivors of sex trafficking, forced labor, and forced marriage in Uganda; Manila, Philippines; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Camelote, Belize; Nairobi, Kenya; New York City; and Portland, Maine. The series consists of intimate portrayals of the healing, recovery, and reintegration process. This has been a collaborative project that aims to engage survivors in the creative process of representing their own stories. By providing a platform for survivors to take charge of their own stories, my hope is that love and truth will pave the way for others to find comfort in knowing they are not alone.”

— Matilde Simas

Exhibited by:

ArtWorks for Freedom

More from ArtWorks for Freedom

Fragile , 1996
8 x 11.9 in (h x w)
Watercolor and pastel
ArtWorks for Freedom
Mixteco Man, Biola , 2003
11 x 14 in (h x w)
35 mm film
ArtWorks for Freedom
Lucrecia, Oxnard , 2006
11 x 14 in (h x w)
35 mm film
ArtWorks for Freedom
Girl with Broken Hair and Diamond Scars (front detail) , 2022
4.5 x 1.5 in (h x w)
Bronze with diamond inclusions
ArtWorks for Freedom
No Girl with Diamond Sacral and Root Chakra (front detail) , 2022
4.5 x 1.5 in (h x w)
Bronze with diamond inclusions
ArtWorks for Freedom