Books

The Spiral of Containment:

Rape's Aftermath

A powerful photo book anthology chronicling Elisa Iannacone’s journey as a survivor of rape and incest, interwoven with the voices of 24 fellow survivors from around the globe.

Eight years in the making, this work showcases striking images crafted through Elisa's lens of magical realism, using art as a profound means to express and heal trauma.

"Though everything was out of control, I could still go somewhere inside my mind, where the pain didn’t exist.”

– Red

“I was running away to put an end to everything. There was
no shouting or begging, I was totally in control, and set it all alight.”

– Fire Orange

“I kept reading every tombstone that we walked past and I thought, 'I’m going to be one of them'. Somehow I managed to stay afloat.”

– Orange

“It happened with my family, so I was surrounded by immediate danger, I couldn't escape. The cage is an internal place.”

– Golden Yellow

“Once I got the dress on, as broken as it was, I regained confidence, and felt like it was my kingdom. Everything that was broken or taken from me, I was commanding back into my life.”

– Yellow

“I’m positioned as a part of the architecture that once was, but like a cactus, all broken and punctured, I’m still here, standing with strong thorns.”

– Light Green

“People have been there before, people might be there again. You might have been followed, but you’re not quite sure. The forest isn’t really a place you can fully trust.”

– Forest Green

“I was objectified over and over again, and very much felt like a mannequin. You could open the drawers and see each of those different places that I was abused in as a child.”

– Baby Blue

“As I looked at the hourglass, I felt myself waiting for the rape to end, for the trial to end, for him to serve his time. The falling sand represents the baggage slipping away.”

– Blue

“In the original fairytale, the princess is asleep and the prince rapes her. I felt like Sleeping Beauty and could have stayed in that tower forever.”

– Imperial Purple

“My first response was flight – to escape the horror I’d experienced, but soon I found myself turning back, determined to fight for change. Ballet became a creative outlet; it gave me a sense of grounding.”

– Pink

“I couldn't remember anyone's faces. Everything around me felt like a circus.”

– Dark Red
Using her skills as a journalist and cinematographer, Iannacone employs magical realism to evoke the emotions experienced after assault, using art to profoundly express and explore the complexities of trauma. Each striking image serves as a visual translation of a survivor's narrative, illuminating the darkest shadows of trauma while celebrating resilience and empowerment. Together, these stories highlight the intricate pathways of recovery and call for a vital societal reckoning.

The Spiral of Containment also delves into the estrangement Iannacone faced from her extended Mexican family following her courageous decision to break the silence surrounding her trauma. Eight years in the making, this anthology stands as a testament to the enduring strength of survivors.

CORE TOPICS

Conflict and Humanitarian Crises
Climate Change and Sustainability
Trauma and Mental Health
Ethical Coverage of Minority Groups and Challenging Environments
Industries: Business, AI, Art, Film & Photography, Travel, Mining

Journalism

Elisa's passion for writing began in middle school when she won a state championship in Mexico, leading to a meeting with then-President Vicente Fox. In university, she wrote for a local newspaper and earned her own column. She has led journalistic teams across six continents, with her work featured at Ukraine House in Davos and the Dubai World Expo. Elisa has reported live for BBC World News, produced content for National Geographic, and contributed to Newsweek Magazine and Gulf News.

Books

The Spiral of Containment:

Journalism

Sample Publications