Lifestyle

Artist Transforms Catcalls Into Interesting Embroidered Cross-Stitches

by Emily Arata
Stocksy

Elana Adler knows what it's like to be catcalled. And the Brooklyn-based artist embroiders the comments she gets on the street.

Adler's playing off the idea of a Hope Chest, a sort of dowry full of hand-stitched linens a bride once presented to her husband in order to show off her talents.

In the same vein, Adler explores what catcalls say about the value of women as sexual objects on display.

In preparation for the series, Adler wrote down every catcall she's ever received.

She calls the series, titled "You Are My Dutchess," the "beautification of an assault." While the actual phrases men speak to her on the street are often not violent or overtly sexual, she doesn't always need a compliment from a stranger.

Sexualizing or remarking on the appearance of a woman, unsolicited, is what Adler combats.

Adler questions if getting catcalled is really "women's work," as embroidery once was.

H/T: Buzzfeed, Photos courtesy: Elana Adler