In an act that has been described by artist Sophia Hewson as “rape representation”, the New York-based artist has set up and filmed her own rape scene: claiming it as an art piece outlining the patriarchal nature of sexual violence.

The video focuses on the artist staring straight ahead into the camera, while “bob” – a stranger she invited to her home – is an anonymous figure with only his hands and arms making an appearance. His identity is never revealed, while viewers are forced to engage with Hewson throughout the video as she stares directly at the camera during the ‘assault’.

Hewson said in a statement: “The raped woman is nearly always depicted with her face downcast and her eyes averted. The most confronting aspect of “Untitled (‘are you ok bob?’)”, isn’t watching as a woman is struck or penetrated, it’s seeing her look back out at us from the experience. Caught in her gaze, the viewer is not only forced to bear witness to her subjectivity, but implicated in her desolation.”

Public opinion is, of course, divided on the subject matter. The film has been criticised by some who have labelled it as “disgusting”, while others disagree and have called the artist “brave”. In her statement, Hewson acknowledged potentially negative reactions: “Our horrified reaction to the subject of rape isn't just about our desire to eradicate the epidemic, if it was it would go hand in hand with legal reforms, political prioritisation, and a genuine support for victims. It’s essential to the patriarchy that rape is taboo, because demystifying the act challenges shame and erodes the fear that is needed to suppress the majority. Are our cultural approaches to the subject an unconscious championing of male power? How much do our social constructs contribute to (and perpetuate) the trauma of women post rape?”

Rape survivor Katrina Keshishian, who was gang raped in Sydney in 2008, told News.Com.AU: “I personally find this offensive. Being raped shouldn’t be made in ‘art’ for people to applaud” she said. “I am a feminist too, but I don't believe this is the right way to be advocating for rape victims. Her fear could not possibly have been real. The fear from having sex with a stranger isn't the same fear as being raped. She was a willing participant, rape is being taken forcefully.”

Hewson's work often explores female self-objectification, and while discussing the controversial piece, she explained her thoughts on choosing to portray rape: “Central to this work is also the idea that rape is more than an unwanted sexual act, that it is the foundation for the entire institution of the patriarchy, and hence it is the crucial battleground for dismantling male power.”