University of Brighton graduate uses design to challenge rape culture and support survivors

Through a series of thought-provoking artworks and wearable pieces, Rebecca's final-year project explores how design can be used as a form of activism, encouraging conversations around consent, misogyny and the objectification of women while challenging the attitudes that contribute to rape culture.

At the heart of the collection is What Were You Wearing?, an installation made from porcelain slip that explores the question often asked of women after rape or sexual assault. Using delicate garments that retain the outline of the female form, the piece challenges victim blaming and highlights the impact these attitudes can have on survivors.

Rebecca also created a collection of jewellery exploring the pressures placed on women around physical appearance and the ways in which the female body is objectified in society. Each piece has been designed to challenge the male gaze and encourage conversation.

Among the collection is a brightly coloured enamel glass necklace that draws attention towards the wearer's face while carrying the message, "I see you". Earrings featuring delicate nipple impressions invite viewers to question where their gaze is drawn by reflecting it back through a polished surface, while a silver brain pendant serves as a reminder that women should be recognised for more than their appearance.

To extend the project's impact beyond the graduation, Rebecca will donate half of the profits from every jewellery sale to Rape Crisis, with the remaining proceeds supporting future activist projects.

Rebecca's journey to graduation has been one of determination. Just one week before she was due to begin her BA (Hons) 3D Design & Craft degree at the University of Brighton as a mature student, Rebecca was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Although she was offered the opportunity to defer her place, Rebecca was determined to continue with her studies, balancing university life with cancer treatment. Throughout the first year of her degree, she attended regular radiotherapy appointments before returning to the University workshops to continue developing her work.

Having since completed her treatment, Rebecca is graduating this month with a project that demonstrates how design can be used to challenge harmful attitudes towards women and encourage conversations about sexual violence.

Rebecca said: "I've always believed design can be about much more than creating beautiful objects. For me, it's a way to start conversations, challenge the way people think and give a voice to those who don't always feel heard.

"Receiving a cancer diagnosis just before starting university was incredibly difficult, but I knew I didn't want to put my ambitions on hold and was very fortunate that the treatment was completed and I could put it behind me entering into my second year. I'm proud to be graduating with a project that I hope will make people stop, think and talk about issues that affect so many women and am passionate about making that the focus now."

Rebecca's work has already been recognised with the Michael Bloomstein Prize and the Anna-Maria Desogus Memorial Award, which recognise final-year students who demonstrate exceptional creativity, talent and promise. She will use the prize money and gift of silver to continue developing the collection and creating future projects that use design to inspire conversation and positive social change.

Rebecca will graduate during the University of Brighton's summer graduation ceremonies this month, joining fellow students as they celebrate their achievements.

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