MDX student art at Barnet bus shelters shines spotlight on misogyny

New poster campaign to highlight digital abuse and change attitudes and behaviour

A striking new art campaign created by two Middlesex University students is on display at over 40 bus shelters around Barnet this week to raise awareness of online aggression towards women and girls.

The three posters, created by Graphic Design student Helena Lara and Illustration student Jessica Lynch, were selected in a competition run by London Borough of Barnet with Middlesex University to mark the UN’s annual 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, which this year focuses on digital abuse and the need for collective action.

Students from creative disciplines were invited to develop visual concepts that would: raise awareness of digital harm towards women and girls; encourage people to report abuse; and recruit male allies to change attitudes and behaviour. Helena and Jessica’s work impressed the judges with its clarity, strong design and appeal to multiple audiences. 

Jessica developed the phrases for each poster and created illustrations by hand using chalk pastels on black paper, while Helena took on the typography and composition, using a grid system to keep messaging clear and consistent. 

“We liked the vivid colours and textures, and we wanted the imagery to be simple, relevant and engaging with messages that were encouraging and inclusive rather than accusatory or lecturing. We wanted people to feel they’d already taken the first step in supporting this campaign just by looking at the posters,” explained Jessica.

Helena added: “We worked well as a team. Our different skills complemented each other, and we stayed in constant communication to share ideas and make sure we were both happy with the final designs.”

A chalk-drawn monster looming over a computer screen appears in the first poster to highlight the hidden abusers behind digital violence, while the second poster promotes Barnet Council’s online domestic abuse support resources. The third poster encourages men and boys to be part of the solution with a call-to-action, directing viewers to the website www.barnet.gov.uk/StepIn.  

Both artists are thrilled their work was chosen to be shown around Barnet to highlight such an important issue.

Helena said: “I hope people, when they see our posters, take a moment to think about this issue, any role they play, and the importance of continuing to make it visible and demand change.”

Jessica added: “Online aggression towards women and girls is a serious problem that deserves more discussion. I know lots of women who have suffered online abuse.

“Seeing our hard work pay off and our posters on display is amazing. We really hope this has a positive impact.”

The students also appreciated the opportunity to work on a live brief as part of a team. “It deepened my understanding of design with a social focus and has brought me closer to what my professional work might be after my studies,” said Helena.

Jessica said: “Working with someone who has a different perspective and eye for design made the creative process a lot more interesting. These opportunities are invaluable in preparing students for the world of work.”

Dr Helen Bendon, Associate Professor and Interim Head of the School of Film, is academic lead for the University’s Hear My Voice project, which promotes student involvement in social justice issues locally.  

She said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the London Borough of Barnet on this agenda, as our joint approach involves and benefits people across our community.

“It’s always exciting to see what creativity and perspective our students bring to live briefs. This was a great opportunity for them to engage in global social justice campaigns through their creative disciplines. They also learned how to reach diverse audiences as part of the brief was a call to action for male allies to support this agenda."

“Our students rose to the challenge and produced work that has real relevance for our communities. I hope that through the University’s commitment to this work that the next generation of creatives are inspired to be agents of change.”

Dr Helen Bendon, Associate Professor and Interim Head of the School of Film

To mark the start of 16 Days of Activism on 25 November, an awareness campaign by four other Middlesex students was launched at Barnet Council’s Street Scene depot to support the borough’s frontline workers to call out misogyny and reflect on language which is used about women in jest and banter. 

Cllr Sara Conway, London Borough of Barnet Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Community Cohesion and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, said: “We really welcome and thank Middlesex University students for all their work in creating innovative campaigns, posters, and products to highlight key messages to tackle violence against women and girls. Their creativity and commitment have been impressive, and this co-production helps increase impact in raising awareness and allyship.

“We very much value our ongoing partnership work with Middlesex University on this important issue.” 

Find out more about studying Creative courses at Middlesex University.