Respect at Uni Art Competition 2025

Students and staff were invited to showcase their skills by creating an original piece of art inspired by the theme ‘Through my eyes: Affirmative consent’.

No is a complete sentence 

FIRST PLACE: STUDENT

I merged “NO” with a rabbit’s ears and eyes to symbolize a clear refusal of the looming figures that represent uninvited desires. By presenting animals without a specific gender, this drawing expresses that consent is a fundamental right for all. I aim to emphasize that every individual has the power to firmly say “no” and be respected.

A small white cartoon rabbit becomes a speech bubble whose ears spell out a yelled 'no' to a large dragon
A surrealist-style an illustration of a woman making a love heart with her hands and a man holding a balloon that looks like an ear are watched over by four all-seeing eyes

Speech Surfer

FIRST PLACE: STAFF

Sensual thoughts shaped by expectations must be grounded in the truth that consent is never assumed. Affirmative consent means no one can act on another’s dreams without explicit communication. A speech surfer brings personal and spiritual awareness (spectating eyes), aiding clarity in attraction. Seeking mutual understanding before action is respectful and wise. This strengthens relationships, reinforces moral responsibility, and prevents harm through mutual care and ongoing dialogue.

ALL FINALISTS

A series of four close-up images, blurry, framed like a Polaroid, depict a women with dark hair lying on her side; a close-up of holding hands; an ear and a foot with a pretty ankle bracelet

In 'Spaces' I highlight intimate moments; unfocused close-ups reminiscent of personal interaction.
As participants in these moments, we focus on body language, seeking understanding - is consent being affirmed or revoked? Like in life, these snapshots provide no answers. Instead, we realise the need to confirm through direct communication.
The inclusion of my grandmothers' Indian jewellery in these images offers a multicultural and generational lens: What was their understanding of consent?

Two people sit facing each other, hands palm up, touching, with a heart rate line connecting them

The Pulse of Consent: Connection in Every Affirmative Beat

Inspired by the ethos of affirmative consent, "The Pulse of Consent" captures the transformative moment when mutual understanding and respect converge. The artwork features two abstract figures reaching toward each other, their forms merging into a dynamic, pulsating line that symbolizes open communication and the vibrant energy of consent. Soft, blended colors evoke warmth and care, illustrating that true connection is built on the shared responsibility of asking and listening.

A text-based artwork about affirmative consent with words in bold colours, which say 'Be respect, be attractive, WDYT?, LGTM, stop or continue, LMK'

Be respect, be attractive

Asking for consent will not make you less attractive but even more! Always open your eyes to discover and respect the uniqueness of everyone.

Digital artwork in a street art style shows a woman on a small dic of a world with a tree, star and city in the background

Kim Hang

The portal

The portals are filled with an abundance of eyes.
Where the heart feels, the eye view
The world is shifting hues, 
not black and white but rather twilight blues

Each mark i thought i left behind 
With symbols scattered all over my mind
The tattoo etch my soul, 
the blinding fountain beneath my pole

The two portals integrate 
Who is real, who is fake 
As cherry blossom blends with the wind,
The fleeting thought suddenly creates art.

A closeup of a mouth giving possible answers to questions of consent, such as: don't know, maybe, stop and yes

See My Words

“Affirmative consent is what I say, and how I say it.” 
When seeking consent, there are two things you must consider: what is said, and how it is said. It is not enough to hear the words being said and take this as someone’s full consent to something. Rather, you must acknowledge the tone in which this consent is given. Through your eyes, see the way these words of consent look when they come from someone’s lips. Unless it’s a willing, smiling “Yes!” every time you ask, it’s not consent.

A naked woman blooming with roses stands in the mouth of a cave that resembles a vagina

All to Consent

My piece "All to Consent" explores affirmative consent in sexual relationships. A woman’s body blooms with roses, symbolizing fertility and health through consent. She’s encircled by her reproductive organ, representing bodily autonomy and protection. Her raised hand signals liberty and rights, while her pained expression and the thorns scratching her reflect grief for those denied their right to consent.

A painterly depiction of a woman with brown hair talking to a man with black hair while two shadow hands loom in at them

Handy conversation

Reaching out to each other and having difficult conversations is key to progress. A handy conversation depicts a scene of friends supporting one another.