An artist who states she was raped by someone she knew after being pressured into sex is hosting an exhibition to encourage open discussions about consent. Magdalena Boryn said it took her five years to understand that being coerced into sex could still be considered rape.
Her paintings, which feature animals, are intended to help process her emotions and are on display at the Mazi Project in Bedminster, Bristol, from 19-20 September. Boryn hopes the exhibition will reduce the taboo around experiences of sexual violence and foster a broader dialogue on prevention, stating that saying "no" once should have been sufficient.
Boryn advocates for "enthusiastic consent," where both partners actively seek eager interest, body language cues, and verbal confirmation. An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson noted that coercion, intimidation, or other forms of pressure can undermine a person's freedom to choose, potentially invalidating consent under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
The exhibition weekend will also include workshops, drop-in craft activities, a reading corner, and information resources, including a stand for the YUNO sexual health clinic.