Human Rights Day reminds us that many people still fight for basic freedoms. Across the UK, one artist is shining a bright light on the rights women continue to lose and reclaim. Kat Shaw, the creator of Sacred Rage, Unapologetic and now UPRISING, has built a community of women who want real change. Her work blends art, ritual and personal storytelling to help women take back their voices and choices.
She states it clearly. “We have been silenced, modified and repressed for too long… and we hope you choke on our power.” Her words feel direct because the issues she talks about are still real for many women today.
How Sacred Rage grew into UPRISING
Shaw’s exhibitions build on each other, and each one moves the work forward. Sacred Rage offered women a place to name their anger. Unapologetic helped them step into their power and stop shrinking themselves.
Now UPRISING marks the moment women rise again with a stronger sense of who they are.
According to Shaw, “Uprising is the commitment never to be small again.” She encourages women to rise from the flames that once hurt them and use that fire to grow. Because of this, UPRISING is not just art. It is also a statement about equality, freedom and dignity.
Art that asks women to see themselves differently
A central part of Shaw’s work challenges the rules society places on women’s bodies. Instead of painting faces, she removes the idea that an image must fit a certain look or appeal to the male gaze. This helps women see themselves in the art without judgment.
Shaw explains, “We have never been taught to honour our bodies.” Her ceremonies invite women to connect with themselves in softer and kinder ways. As a result, these moments often lead to emotional release, new confidence and long-lasting change.
A powerful display from Kat Shaw’s Unapologetic era, celebrating women’s voices, bodies and autonomy.
Why does this matter on Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day focuses on equality. Shaw’s work shows how far many women still are from experiencing that equality. Even today, women’s safety, choices and autonomy are often questioned or controlled.
Her message asks both men and women to reflect on the world around them.
“I want misogyny to be questioned,” she says. “I want women to wake up.” Her art shows how often women feel small, judged or unsafe. It also shows how powerful they can become when they are given space to rise.
Why women continue to join the movement
Each year, hundreds of women apply to take part. Many want to feel seen. Others want to heal after years of shame. Some simply want to reconnect with who they truly are.
Shaw says, “Women are calling out to see themselves represented.” She gives them a safe space to express emotion, show their bodies without fear and reconnect with their own worth.
The process includes candles, music, mirror work and movement. These simple actions help women shift how they see themselves. Over time, this creates big emotional changes.
Consent at the centre of UPRISING
One of the strongest themes in UPRISING is choice. Women decide how they take part and what feels safe for them. Because of this, many describe the experience as life-changing.
Shaw explains, “The ceremony gives women back the right to choose.” Nakedness is optional. Clothing is optional too. What matters most is that each woman chooses for herself without pressure or judgment.
The personal story shaping the work
Shaw’s own life plays a key role in her message. She has faced shame, rejection and discrimination. Instead of shrinking, she has chosen to rise each time.
These experiences inspire her to create work that protects and uplifts other women.
“I have spent a life living by rules that were never my own,” she says. “These experiences have driven me to shout louder for myself, my daughter and all women.”
Real change for the women involved
Many women describe the exhibition as a turning point. They leave relationships that no longer serve them. They change careers. They move to new places. Above all, they begin to make choices rooted in their own needs.
Shaw says, “Women transform after this work.” The experience gives them proof that they can build a life that feels true to who they are.
Why the space must stay intentional
Although interest in UPRISING continues to grow, Shaw keeps the circle small and protected. She believes the work only works when it remains honest, safe and intentional.
She explains, “I hold the boundaries fiercely.” Women grow more quickly when they feel safe, connected and respected. Because of this, she trusts that the right women will always find their way into the project.
A collective rise for Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day calls for dignity, equality and the freedom to live without fear. Shaw’s UPRISING project speaks to all of these values. Through art and community, she offers women a chance to reclaim themselves.
As she says, “We will rise. And we will never be small again.”
