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.

Sample Publications

IN THE MEDIA

"A 'wave of change' photographer and sexual assault survivor shining a light on the psychological impacts of abuse."

- Newsweek

IN THE MEDIA

"Spiral goes beyond the clichéd forlorn figures captured in photography."

- The Mail & Guardian

IN THE MEDIA

"A rape survivor determined to give victims a voice, by telling their stories in a powerful photo series."

- Huffington Post

IN THE MEDIA

"It is genuine empathy and care that Elisa possesses. It’s not often that people sit and truly listen and care about us survivors."

- Martin Pelders, Survivor

IN THE MEDIA

"Beautiful, honest, real and raw. Letting those who don’t know step safely into such a horrific world. This book is a piece of art and the stories are ones that need to be heard."

- Survivor

IN THE MEDIA

"A glimpse into the mind of each individual, showing their darkest shadows as well as their eloquence and strength."

- Lacuna Magazine

IN THE MEDIA

"A powerful photo series telling the story of the emotional aftermath of sexual assault."

- Mashable

IN THE MEDIA

"I felt the sadness through each page and cleverly thought out picture, but also got a sense of overwhelming strength from each victim."

- Survivor

IN THE MEDIA

"Images are drawn from each subject’s experience, reframed and reworked into layered statements of empowerment, agency, and identity."

- Constitutional Court Art Collection, South Africa

IN THE MEDIA

"Pure Brilliance! Elisa has such talent and wisdom. Thank you to her and to all who shared their stories to raise awareness and help others."

- Amazon Review

Elisa has conducted in-depth analyses for Global Business Reports, The Report Company, Investment Reports, and Global FDI Investor, interviewing presidents (Zelenskyy of Ukraine, Ramkalawan of Seychelles), ministers, and hundreds of CEOs world-wide. This experience gives her a deep understanding of global business practices.

She has served as guest editor for The Guild of Television Camera Professionals' Zerb Magazine and holds an MA in International Journalism from City University, London.

Reporting on issues such as the Rabaa Massacre in Cairo, domestic violence in Iraqi refugee camps, and cyclone Idai in Mozambique has deepened her commitment to social consciousness.

Preisden Zelensky & Elisa Iannacone_edited.jpg

Books

The Spiral of Containment:

Journalism

Sample Publications

Interview with President Zelenskyy, Ukraine