BUTTERFLY

The theme of domestic abuse is one that resonates with me personally and I wanted to shed a positive light on its survivors. 'Staying Put' is a sterling Bradford based charity which encourages the victim to stay but the abuser to leave. Through their in-depth understanding of the complex recovery processes involved, they worked with 'survivor', Jill Boyd, a fine-arts teacher, to establish the marvellous 'Butterfly Project.' She delivers art therapy workshops to other female survivors who are at an advanced stage of their recovery. 

The Butterfly Project offers a safe and relaxed space where women can support each other and take time out. The meetings focus on creativity, learning new skills, support and empowerment through activities. By engaging in the group sessions, women meet others who are dealing with similar situations; they find a supportive peer, and empathetic listener, who can understand and support them in a completely non-judgemental manner. The women thus feel less isolated and increase their wellbeing by forming meaningful relationships and friendships. 

I covered the workshops for four weeks in autumn of 2016, which resulted in an exhibition at Kala Sangam in Bradford in November 2016, and coincided with various pop-up exhibitions throughout the West Yorkshire district. 

These are some of the images that I captured from my time with The Butterfly Project.

Enjoy, Shy

Please note, all the images are copyright protected by Shy Burhan and no usage rights are implied or allowed without express permission of the above…