Created during the COVID-19 lockdown, The Stranger at Home explores how the pandemic intensified everyday sexism and normalized the ridicule of women through social media. As online spaces became primary sources of interaction, I noticed a surge of posts, jokes, and comics that turned women into subjects of mockery, highlighting how crises often amplify pre-existing gender inequalities.

One particular ‘joke’ I found on Facebook caught my attention. I shared this image with a group of 20 women, asking them to interpret it and share their thoughts. Shockingly, most did not identify the content as violence against women, instead, many viewed it as portraying violence against men. This response revealed just how deeply normalized gender-based violence can be, to the point where it becomes invisible.

In response, I selected the image and created an audio commentary unpacking every detail, both visible and implied. By narrating the layers of meaning behind the photo, I aim to challenge viewers to look more critically at the ways violence is encoded in seemingly innocuous humour, especially during moments of global crisis.