Stop Killing Us Now!
In a striking visual protest against the ongoing tragedy of femicide, a compelling collection of AI-generated portraits has emerged, giving face and voice to the urgent plea: “Stop Killing Us Now!” This powerful assemblage features black and white AI-created images of women from diverse backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities, united in their silent yet forceful demand for an end to gender-based violence.
The recent surge in femicide cases in Italy has reignited global concerns about violence against women. This artistic response serves as a poignant reminder that behind each statistic lies a human life, a story cut short, and a community left in mourning.
Each AI-generated portrait in this collection captures a raw, unfiltered emotion — from profound sorrow to unwavering determination. The artificial women’s gazes pierce through the frame, challenging viewers to confront the harsh reality of vulnerable existences and society’s failure to protect them.
The diversity represented in these computer-generated faces underscores the universal nature of this issue. Young and old, from various cultural backgrounds, these AI-created women embody the message that violence against women knows no boundaries of age, race, or social status.
By presenting these AI portraits collectively, the artwork amplifies their symbolic voices into a powerful chorus demanding change. It serves not only as a virtual memorial to those lost but as a rallying cry for the living — a call to action for society to address the root causes of gender-based violence and to implement effective measures for prevention and protection.
This visual manifesto stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for cultural shift, legal reform, and social action to combat femicide and create a world where women can live free from fear of violence.
It’s crucial to note that these AI-generated portraits do not represent actual victims of femicide or real individuals, but rather symbolize living women admonishing society. These artificial yet emotionally powerful images serve as a stark warning and call to action. They embody the potential victims if we fail to act — representing the lives that could be lost if we don’t address this crisis immediately. Their message is clear: we must take decisive action now, before more lives are tragically cut short. The time to prevent future femicides is not after another tragedy occurs, but right now, heeding the urgent plea of these diverse, AI-created faces demanding change.
Let me add some considerations as I know this project can be controversial, this is not an “excusatio non-petita” but part of my rationale behind this project and my approach to art as a social driver for change.
As the creator of the AI-generated portrait project addressing femicide in Italy, I, a man, feel compelled to address some of the critical points raised about this work.
First and foremost, I want to emphasize that this project is not an attempt to speak for women, but rather to amplify their voices. As a man, I acknowledge my position of privilege and the limitations of my perspective. This project stems from a deep concern about the ongoing tragedy of femicide in our country and a desire to contribute to raising awareness.
The decision to use AI-generated images was deliberate, it is my tool as an artist.These artificial faces serve as powerful symbols, transcending individual identities to represent a collective call for change.
I recognize that femicide and gender-based violence are complex issues that cannot be solved with a simple art project or slogan. This work is intended as a starting point for deeper conversations and, hopefully, meaningful action. It’s a visual prompt designed to engage viewers and encourage them to delve further into these critical issues.
In creating the AI prompts, I strived for diverse representation that reflects the multicultural reality of modern Italy. However, I’m open to feedback on how this representation can be improved or made more inclusive. I particularly welcome input on better including and representing transgender women, who face disproportionately high rates of violence.
To those who might question my motives or label this as performative allyship, I can only say that this project is part of a ongoing personal journey to understand and combat gender-based violence.
I’m acutely aware that this topic can be triggering for survivors of violence. While the imagery is intended to be impactful, I’ve taken care to provide content warnings and support resources alongside the project.
I approach this work with humility, knowing that I have much to learn. I’m open to criticism and eager to engage in dialogue about how we can all work together to end the scourge of femicide in Italy and beyond. This project is not an endpoint, but a beginning — a call to action for all of us to do more, to do better, in protecting the lives and dignity of women in our society.
