A college student has turned President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about women into a striking photo series. Melanie Richards, a student at a community college in Oregon, embarked on this artistic journey after being deeply unsettled by the rhetoric surrounding the election. Her project, titled #SignedByTrump, combines provocative imagery with quotes from Trump that many find objectionable.
“I started working on #SignedByTrump a few weeks prior to the election, but once I saw that Trump had actually won, I felt compelled to amplify my message,” Richards shared. The series, initially conceived for her Introduction to Photography class, has the potential to resonate in major galleries.
Like many, Richards initially dismissed Trump’s campaign as a joke, never believing he could win the presidency. “I was shocked that Hillary Clinton didn’t emerge victorious,” she admitted. “I think many share my disbelief that someone so inexperienced could assume such a role.” Her artistic expression reflects a desire to confront the troubling implications of Trump’s election, particularly for women.
“As a staunch feminist, Trump’s remarks about women made me feel nauseated. His statements normalize the objectification of women, and that’s frightening,” Richards stated. When she first shared her images on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, many were removed due to their risqué nature. However, when the series was posted on Tumblr, it went viral, garnering over 100,000 notes. “I simply wanted to raise awareness about who Trump truly is and to be heard,” she explained.
Richards had not anticipated the widespread reach of her project, but she expressed gratitude for the support she received. “While there has been some negative feedback, the overwhelming positive reactions have been heartening. I’ve received messages that moved me to tears,” she remarked.
To protect the identities of the women featured in her photos, Richards chose to keep them anonymous. “Anonymity in art can be powerful, allowing viewers to project their own interpretations onto the images,” she explained. “These women are more than just models; they are friends and family, and I wanted to shield them from online cruelty.”
Since launching her project, Richards has partnered with The Outrage to produce postcards, shirts, and other merchandise, with 15% of profits benefiting the ACLU in Trump’s name. “I can’t fathom how Trump ended up in office, but it’s essential for us to unite,” she urged. “To those who support #SignedByTrump, don’t let anyone silence your voices.”
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In summary, Melanie Richards has created a powerful visual commentary on the impact of Trump’s words on women through her art. The #SignedByTrump series stands as a testament to the importance of expressing political views through artistic means while fostering a sense of community and resilience.