Artist Statement

“Tell me No” – Rebecca Stephen

This series is about the censorship I have experienced in relation to real-life experiences. From being told no to what I read, listen to, or even what I support, censorship is a larger topic that is going to be explored. I will be producing an exhibition of photographs to help show the ways in which I have been censored. These photographs are of moments in real life, and real time, where things are being censored. 

Censorship. There is nothing like being told “no” when you believe fully in your work, and nothing like being told “no” when you only wish to be educated better. In this series of work, one will see the ways in which I, personally, have been censored and told “no.”  In books, music, news, or even school settings, the world will try and mold you in its image. 

This exhibition will showcase my personal resentment to being told no. The work examines “cancel culture” and how people get easily offended. This work is not to call someone out, but rather educate those of how canceling culture is the same as erasing the past.