With heavy influences from the likes of Kathe Kollwitz, Joan Semmel, Max Beckmann, Matisse, Picasso and Jenny Saville, Josie Roebuck conveys her life experiences via all facets of her work.

“Art has always been my second passion. I came to the University of Georgia for soccer, not art. It wasn’t until I had a career-ending injury that my passion turned to art full time. Originally focusing my art work on my family—as I am an adopted child—I later experienced something personal, which changed my focus to rape, rape victims, and women.”

Josie continues, “The message that I am trying to get across with my work is that rape is a heinous crime and that it can’t be ignored anymore. Women have been victimized since the beginning of time, and their stories are always told through the perspective of men. I am here to change that. I want the world to know what rape is like through the eyes of a woman. As Susan Brownmiller said, “Rape could not be envisioned as a matter of female consent or refusal.” This has haunted women for centuries and even to this day. Women are still afraid to speak up about rape because they are still afraid that nobody will believe them or even blame them.  I am here to change how the world perceives rape and to help those speak up about this heinous crime.”

Find more of Josie’s work on her website here.