BFA Rape Awareness Thesis

Hello everyone, my name is Megumi and I am a soon to be graduating fine arts major at Florida State University. A couple of years ago I was sexually assaulted by one of my classmates. The outcome of my attack has had a long lasting effect on my life and has brought both myself and my loved ones many hardships. I am plaugued with PTSD and have quickly learned that it is a continuous obstacle in my day-to-day life but this disorder now fuels a fire. After I came to terms with what has happened to me, all of my work began to focus on rape, its awareness, prevention, and after effects. I want survivors to have a voice. This semester, with my thesis, I am determined to bring these subjects into the spotlight.

Being of Japanese descent, I have always been infatuated with the culture, specifically, the role of traditional geisha. For my thesis, I am creating a nontraditional kimono, decorated with depictions of modern day sexual assault and abuse in American society, using Japanese art style. Many of you have most likely heard the infamous rape case centered around FSU, and others such as the Brock Turner case. The victims of these crimes have been told by many in society to be quiet, and they are often ignored. Years ago in Japan, the virginity of an apprentice geisha was sold off to the highest bidder, then the girl would be honored with the title of geisha. The girls that were to become geisha  were taught from a very young age that they are to remain composed, calm, and beautiful regardless of what they feel. The act of their virginity being taken and then ignoring their plight parallels a lot of the events happening to women today. My thesis aims to discuss these modern day events and encourage people to think about how society treats these acts.

I am currently taking classes and am having to work three part-time jobs in order to pay for basic living expenses, but more importantly to  me, this project. I learned of this website through some friends, and it is my hope that the people of the internet might help reach my goal of raising $1100 in order to cover all of the needed materials, and help me to quit at least one of my jobs so that I can focus more on my thesis.

The subject of my art is dark, disturbing, uncomfortable, and important. For the longest time my art was a healing process for me, and even though it still is, having people approach me, and thank me for saying things that others cannot is both the most humbling and motivating feeling I've ever known, and I know I have to keep going.

Any donation made will be stretched as far as possible and will be put directly into my art. I can't thank all of you enough for any help that you could provide. However, regardless of if I get the funds I'm asking for or not, this project is happening. I will always continue to help open dialogues about rape culture, and provide an outlet for people to help reflect and come to terms with their own experiences,that of their loved ones, and even of strangers. 

Thank you all so much.