The City of Sacramento’s Office of Arts and Culture is featuring an exhibit at City Hall that highlights the issues of gender-based violence.
Curated by the City’s Emerging Curators Fellow NJ Mvondo, the exhibit “Breaking the Silence on Gender-Based Violence” centers the lived experiences of survivors. It will be hosted at the City Hall Robert T. Matsui Gallery (915 I Street) from June 12–Sept. 17.
“This exhibit was curated with intention and deep respect for the courage of survivors,” says Mvondo. “Art is more than a product made for our entertainment or consumption. Art makes space for unveiling but also truth-telling, for grieving but also for comfort, and for collective healing, organizing, and mutual accountability.”
“Breaking the Silence” pays tribute to communities whose experiences with gender-based violence are often marginalized, including Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Black women, trans and nonbinary survivors, and individuals affected by intimate partner violence.
The exhibit features the work of artists who explore themes of resilience, memory and transformation. Lauren Baggett’s Kintsugi Collection draws inspiration from the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, symbolizing the beauty that can emerge from trauma. Pata Salada offers personal and vulnerable pieces that reflect survival and healing.
The exhibit is free, open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is wheelchair accessible.
About the Emerging Curators Fellowship
Administered by the Office of Arts and Culture, the Emerging Curators Fellowship is a year-long program designed for the selected curator to curate and present two exhibitions with the guidance of a curatorial mentor.
This year’s fellow, NJ Mvondo, is an artist, social entrepreneur, and advocate for social justice, cultural diversity, and environmental sustainability. An immigrant from France and Cameroon, she centers her work on uplifting marginalized voices and fostering community resilience and healing.
NJ leads initiatives such as the Interactive Healing Arts Project and is the founder of Multiculturalism Rocks LLC and the Davis Network for Africa. She also serves on the board of Yolo Arts.
