The University of Bath has recently hosted the British Red Cross as part of an exhibition exploring the concept of disappearance in its many forms – physical, cultural, ecological and ideological. The event saw the University’s Artistic Engagement and Impact Research Fellow, renowned Mexican painter Chantal Meza, provide a tour of her evocative collection ‘State of Disappearance’ to university staff.

“Part of this role allows me to educate people about how art can make us think critically about world issues. This event was special as it gave me the opportunity to highlight the role women have taken in respect to enforced disappearance," Chantal Meza said.

As part of the event, held to mark International Women’s Day 2026, Emily Knox, Head of Restoring Family Links from the British Red Cross, also gave a talk on the international advocacy work done to support families living with the missing and the disappeared with a particular focus on women and children. In this, she highlighted the impact on women of the missing and disappeared, and the importance of governments, communities, the humanitarian sector and academics to all work together to help with the issue.

“When people go missing, families are left without answers. It’s an issue that particularly affects women, who are more likely to take on caring responsibilities, or find themselves at risk from exploitation when they’re separated from family. It’s fantastic that the University of Bath is highlighting this issue, which for many families is a silent tragedy., Days like today are important to raise the issue, celebrate resilience and work together to think of ways to alleviate the suffering of the families of the missing," Emily Knox said.

‘State of Disappearance’ was gifted to the University of Bath for permanent display in May 2025, and invites visitors to contemplate disappearance, especially in times of conflict, where families may be separated, suffering from the anguish of not knowing what has happened to their loved ones, and who may be unable to grieve.

Chantal Meza continued: “Art and education, when combined, help weave threads of knowledge and empathy together, making people engage in different subjects in a different way.”

Emily Knox added: “This artwork brings to life the suffering of the families in a way that can’t be done with words, enabling us to step into that space of ambiguity and loss. Importantly, it ensures that people who are missing are not forgotten and hopefully given comfort and strength through solidarity with those effected.”

The event was held by the University to speak to women staff about the International Women’s Day 2026 themes of Rights, Justice, Action for all Women and Girls .

Professor Sarah Bailey, Co-Chair of the Women Academics Change Agents Network at the University of Bath said: “It was great to bring together women staff on campus to mark International Women’s Day. Listening to Chantal share her experience first-hand was really moving and seeing how her art connects us to the impact of disappearance on women and girls was powerful. It was a moment to reflect on the realities faced by women across the world affected by missing loved ones – through violence, conflict, disaster, migration – and celebrate the women who continue to search for them.”

The Women Academics Change Agents Network is an action-oriented space for women academics to work together individually and collectively to achieve their full potential and enhance wellbeing at work.