On International Women’s Day, something remarkable happened inside the Trestle Arts Centre in St Albans.
Women from across the UK gathered for UPRISING, an immersive exhibition created by artist Kat Shaw. However, this was far more than an art exhibition. It became a deeply emotional space where women could reconnect with themselves, support one another and explore themes that many believe have been suppressed for generations.
Throughout the day, participants took part in ceremony, artistic expression and moments of collective reflection. Later, the event culminated in a live catwalk experience that celebrated courage, vulnerability and female solidarity.
Yet one of the most powerful elements of the day came earlier during a private ceremony focused on healing what many participants described as the “witch wound.”
What is the witch wound?
The phrase refers to the historical persecution of women who stepped outside traditional roles. Across centuries, women who were healers, midwives, outspoken leaders or independent thinkers were often labelled dangerous or unnatural.
Although the witch trials belong to history, many believe the cultural impact remains. Women are still frequently criticised, silenced or shamed for expressing themselves fully.
For many at UPRISING, the ceremony offered an opportunity to acknowledge that inherited fear and begin to release it.
Participants spoke openly about reclaiming their voices and their bodies in a supportive environment surrounded by other women.
One woman described the experience as life changing.
“Yesterday was life changing for me and I feel so privileged to have spent the day with such an incredible group of fierce women,” she said.
“The most powerful moment for me was holding hands with one woman at a time without words, just seeing each other. It was such an emotional and raw experience.”
She added that what followed felt unexpectedly liberating.
“It didn’t seem strange to undress and dance around painted. It felt freeing and empowering.”
The power of collective female spaces
Many of the women who attended had travelled significant distances to be there. Some had previously participated in Shaw’s earlier exhibition, Unapologetic, and described the experience as transformative.
Paula, 56, from Staffordshire, said she attended after seeing the impact the project had on a friend.
“My friend did Unapologetic last year and she completely changed her life,” she said.
“When I saw Kat’s advert for this, I booked straight on. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed today. The energy from all the women here has been incredible.”
Kelly, 43, who also travelled from Staffordshire, described a similar experience.
“I did Unapologetic last year and it completely changed my life. The healing, the power and the sisterhood were unlike anything I had experienced before.”
For many, the event demonstrated the importance of spaces where women can express themselves freely without judgement.
Art, expression and censorship
Despite the powerful message behind Shaw’s work, promoting the exhibition has not been straightforward.
Much of the artwork has faced repeated removal from social media platforms due to the presence of artistic nudity. Shaw and many of the women involved see this as part of a wider conversation about how women’s bodies are policed online.
The paintings themselves are not sexualised. Instead, they present women’s bodies as symbols of strength, identity and autonomy.
However, the challenges of censorship highlight an ongoing tension between artistic expression and digital platform rules.
“One of the most powerful spaces I have ever been in”
Among those attending the exhibition was PR consultant and speaker Estelle Keeber.
Reflecting on the experience, she described the atmosphere as extraordinary.
“I can honestly say it was one of the most powerful spaces I have ever been in,” she said.
“The courage it took for these women to show up so openly and support each other was incredible to witness. It was emotional, uplifting and deeply empowering all at the same time.”
Why spaces like this matter
International Women’s Day often celebrates progress, but events like UPRISING also highlight the ongoing work required to create environments where women feel safe to express themselves fully.
Through art, ceremony and shared experience, the exhibition created a space that many participants described as transformative.
For some, it was simply an inspiring day. For others, it marked the beginning of a much deeper personal journey.
