Vlad Sokhin is a Russian/Portuguese documentary photographer who is based in Sydney. His exhibition, Crying Meri – Violence Against Women in Papua New Guinea documents the violence against women that is rife in Papua New Guinea (PNG). According to statistics, two thirds of the female population of this Pacific nation suffers abuse at the hands of their partners and fifty per cent are victims of sexual assaults.
Known as “meri” (the PNG Pidgin word for women), these women are often horrifically disfigured after being attacked with knives and axes. Rape is also endemic in the PNG capital of Port Moresby where entry into the gangs that rule the slum settlements often involves rape. These images evoke the savagery of the attacks on females as young as six.
Once again Sokhin presents important work that can give voice to those who are marginalised. Sokhin said, “The goal of this photo project is to raise awareness on this issue to improve assistance and support mechanisms to victims of gender based violence in Papua New Guinea”.
EXHIBITION
Crying Meri
Until 23 June 2013
Global Gallery
5 Comber Street
Paddington, Sydney
Australia
