Preying On Her Innocence - Art as Activism

“Preying on Her Innocence” is one of Mikayla’s first works where art meets activism. This series focuses on using creativity as a means of confronting one of society’s most pervasive issues: sexualised violence. Through an expressive arts lens, Mikayla begins to explore the unspoken, using visual storytelling to hold space for what is so often silenced.

At the heart of this piece is a fawn, standing alone in a meadow of flowers. The scene evokes innocence, wonder and curiosity. Yet, in the shadows of the foreground, a pack of wolves wait - predators hidden in plain sight, ready to strike.

This visual contrast speaks volumes. The vulnerability of the fawn reflects the experiences of many survivors, those who move through the world open-hearted, only to be met with harm. The wolves symbolise the ever-present threat of violence, power imbalances and a culture that too often blames the prey rather than questioning the predators.

With “Preying on Her Innocence,” Mikayla invites viewers to sit with discomfort, to bear witness and to reflect on the systems that allow sexualised violence to continue. It is not just a painting, it is a protest, a mirror, and a call to action.

How do we collectively respond when vulnerability is not met with care but instead with violence?