Throughout the year, Realstars, with the support of HM Queen Silvia’s foundation Care About the Children, organized two competitions for high school students in Stockholm. In one of these competitions, students created art to combat sexual exploitation, and prizes were awarded to the most creative contributions. The winners were selected by a jury.
Realstars received over 40 contributions from schools across Stockholm. Based on various criteria, 28 pieces were chosen to be part of an art installation, and a jury was assembled to select three winners. The jury consisted of:
Malin Roux Johansson, founder and secretary-general of Realstars
Therese von Blixen-Finecke, director of CATCH
Gabriella Kärnekull Wolfe, expert at ChildX and founder of Inte din Hora (Not Your Whore)
Caroline Svelid, influencer and teacher
Embla Persson, president of Sveriges elevkårer (Sweden’s student unions)
Moa Lindh, head of preventive and outreach work at Novahuset
Madeleine Sundell, human trafficking coordinator at the Frälsningsarmén (Salvation Army)
Gunilla Zuleta, author and teacher
The winning contributions:
KLARA, KULTURAMA
Jury motivation: “The creator(s) of this painting have truly succeeded in portraying the pain and emptiness experienced by victims, while also expressing an underlying sense of resistance. The combination of complex messaging with exceptional artistic skill is impressive and allows space for the viewer’s own emotions. This thought-provoking painting conveys that a person who is sexually exploited is not defined solely by the abuse they endure.”
FELICIA, PSYKOLOGIGYMNASIET
Jury motivation: “This powerful and moving drawing succeeds in delivering a thoughtful and impactful message with minimal means. The creator(s) have made inclusive choices in the content, posing a question that both provokes thought and invites the viewer to reflect on their own values. A truly effective piece of art that resonates deeply.”
FRIDA, CORINNE & SIRI, SJÖLINS GYMNASIUM SÖDERMALM
Jury motivation: “Through the use of an apt metaphor, the creator(s) of this drawing effectively convey relevant and timely messages that should be self-evident but, unfortunately, are not. This drawing clearly refutes some of the excuses we have all heard regarding sexual abuse, placing the blame where it belongs – with the perpetrator.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winners and our gratitude to all participants for their contributions. Special thanks go to our sponsors, including Fotografiska Museum, Birka Bowling and Dart, Laserdome Kungsholmen, and Lind & Co publishers with Mathilda Hofling, for helping us properly celebrate the students’ achievements. We are also grateful to Hotel Courtyard by Marriott for hosting the art installation and gala in their venue.
You can view all the contributions to the competition below:
