The Visual Embodied Methodologies (VEM) network aims to create spaces of knowledge-exchange and research excellence around visual, embodied and art-based methodologies within, across and beyond Social Sciences. We believe that in using these methodologies lies the potential for co-produced forms of knowledge, opening possibilities to explore otherwise difficult to articulate issues.

The network, founded in 2019 by Dr Negar Elodie Behzadi and Professor Jelke Boesten, emerged within the Department of International Development. It has since expanded to span the Faculty of Social Sciences and Public Policy, and is co-coordinated by Professor Jelke Boesten, Professor Cathy McIlwaine (Geography) and Professor Rachel Kerr (War Studies).

Intersectional Gendered Violence (2023-2025)

In 2023, the VEM network was awarded a ESRC Methodologies award. The project will take place from 2023-2025, with the team focusing on different strands of intersectional gendered violence, and ways VEM can be used to address this.

VEMINISM Exhibition: 30 June-14 July

We're excited to invite you to our exhibition opening night on Wednesday 2 July 2025, and a first look at a student produced 'zine - Embodied Stories following our 2-year project.

Join us for creative art and research exploring themes of intimacy, boundaries, sexual violence and ways forward in forms of joy, solidarity, activism and policy

We’ll be joined by participating poets including Choman Hardi and Louise Wallwein, performances from our students, Migrants in Action and Hey, Sis. who have collaborated to make this exhibition happen, and drinks reception with the chance for you to network and discuss with academics, creatives and activists.

Visit the exhibition by emailing vem@kcl.ac.uk, and a member of the team would be happy to help!

Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council project ESX0116661: Visual and Embodied Methodologies for Imaging Intersectional Gendered Violence

Find out more

Sign up to our newsletter where we share updates from ‘Intersectional Gendered Violence’ and exciting events in 2025 including Film Screenings, Poetry readings and Performances.

See previous editions and catch up on the work - edition 7 (June 2025)