Thinking of You – An exhibition committed to memory, human dignity and justice

A work to break the silence

The exhibition Thinking of You, conceived by Kosovar artist Alketa Xhafa Mripa, pays tribute to survivors of sexual violence in times of war. Through a poignant installation made up of dresses collected from around the world, it conveys a powerful message: suffering must not be erased, and justice must never remain silent.

“Europe was built on a promise: never again. Never again should war crimes be met with silence.” – Alketa Xhafa Mripa

A powerful and committed artistic project

Thinking of You is much more than a work of art: it is an installation that gives voice to survivors of sexual violence in times of war. Created by Kosovar artist Alketa Xhafa Mripa, it is built around a powerful symbol — dresses hung out, donated by survivors and supporters from around the world — embodying solidarity, memory, and resilience.

Through this installation, Alketa Xhafa Mripa sheds light on a crime often hidden and used as a weapon of war. By displaying these garments in public spaces, she transforms these silent testimonies into a collective cry, breaking the taboo and prompting reflection on the recognition of victims and the necessity of justice.

The exhibition is based on three essential dimensions:

  • A collective memory: Sexual violence in times of war remains too often ignored, downplayed, or denied. Thinking of You seeks to anchor these crimes in History and to pay tribute to the survivors, reminding us that forgetfulness and indifference must never prevail.

  • A call for solidarity and justice: By receiving dresses from all over the world, the artist invites everyone to take a stand. This simple yet deeply symbolic gesture reflects a collective commitment — not to look away and to demand accountability for the perpetrators of these crimes.

  • A political and social denunciation: By taking over public spaces and institutions such as the Council of Europe, Thinking of You reminds decision-makers of their responsibility in preventing sexual violence in times of war and protecting survivors. The artwork challenges public authorities and international organizations on the need for effective justice and better recognition of victims.

Since its launch, Thinking of You has been exhibited in several major cities and institutions, highlighting the need to recognize, support, and defend victims of sexual violence in times of conflict. This installation has already been presented in:

  • In 2015 in Kosovo, the artist’s home country, where the sexual violence of the war had long been a taboo topic.

  • In 2024 in The Hague, with the support of the Denis Mukwege Foundation, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

In partnership with the René Cassin Foundation, it has also been exhibited in:

  • In June 2025 in Strasbourg, at the Council of Europe and in public spaces across the City of Strasbourg.

The exhibition in Strasbourg

With the partnership of the René Cassin Foundation – International Institute of Human Rights, the City of Strasbourg, and the Council of Europe, Thinking of You was presented in Strasbourg in June 2025:

  • Place Broglie (June 25 – July 1, 2025) – An open-air exhibition accessible to all, organized in partnership with the City and the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg.

  • Council of Europe (from June 19, 2025) – An institutional space to raise awareness among decision-makers and strengthen international commitments.

The exhibition received the support of the Council of Europe, under the initiative of Ambassador Patrick Engelberg, Ambassador of the Netherlands Tanja Gonggrijp, Consul General of Kosovo Lulzim Hiseni, and Despina Chatzivassiliou, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. In addition, the exhibition was also supported by the Grand Est Region and the company Services Acro Alsace.

Documentary produced by Les Films de l’Europe.

To go further

Exposition dédié aux survivantes de violences sexuelles
Don de robes Conseil de l'Europe