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At the heart of the exhibition are two contrasting sets of garments that tell very different stories. The first comprises garments handmade by Hamida, Ritah and Mohammed – Ugandan survivors of acid attacks supported through ASTI’s tailoring programme.
Alongside them are specially created distressed garments that look as if burnt by corrosive substances. These everyday pieces of clothing confront visitors with the destructive reality of acid violence and the lasting damage it can cause.
Displayed together, the collections create a powerful contrast, highlighting the creativity, skill, and hope embodied by the survivors’ vibrant handmade garments, in opposition with the devastation represented by the distressed pieces.
Photo credit: Connor Adam
An acid attack can change the course of a person’s life forever. In a matter of seconds, it can cause agonising pain, permanent scarring and injuries, live-long disability and sight loss. The impact reaches far beyond the physical wounds, affecting survivors’ confidence, identity, relationships, education and ability to earn a living.
The exhibition places these devastating consequences within the context of the fashion industry’s historical and contemporary links to acid violence:
Photo credit: Connor Adam
ASTI’s new campaign uses compelling imagery of a fashion shoot by using distressed clothing, representing the devastation of an acid attack.
Working in partnership with in-country partners, ASTI has helped change laws to restrict access to dangerous corrosives and support survivors in Bangladesh, Pakistan, UK, Cambodia.
ASTI was awarded an Impact Award by the Thomson Reuters Foundation for advocacy work which contributed towards the UK government’s Offensive Weapons Act 2019, around the sale of corrosives in the UK.
ASTI provided valuable expertise to directors of Academy Award winning documentary Saving Face (2012). Saving Face provides a powerful insight into the lives of survivors in Pakistan.