Lost In Translation

| 24 Oct 2020 |

Where words fail to capture experiences, thoughts, or acts of resistance on sexual violence...
art sets free.

Lost In Translation

When: 4-8pm, 24th October 2020
Where: 48 Hilton Street, East Brisbane (Old Scouts Hall, Heath Park)

This exhibition hopes to give a voice for women whose words are sometimes lost in translation, and hold a space where women from marginalized communities, who are the most vulnerable to experiencing sexual violence, as well as who experience the most barriers in sharing their stories, may do so. Art can open a different pathway to express and share your stories in a creative way, without words, without the inherent shame that can be attached to verbalizing and explaining events.

Many survivors of sexual violence who decide to disclose are then asked a myriad of questions - by well-meaning allies, police, reporting and justice helpers, and/or medical staff. Trying to find words to explain how their experience impacts upon them can be perplexing and may not convey how deeply this experience goes. Survivors who choose not to disclose are similarly affected and sometimes find it easier to remain silent. Survivors experience a range of emotions that might be confusing to themselves and others, sometimes words are not received in a way that the survivor needs to be understood. Women’s stories of resistance, healing, activism, grief, rage and liberation can be heard without words.

The artists on display are both survivors and community women who have collaborated over the past months through a series of workshops to capture what cannot always be communicated by words alone.

RSVP prior to 24th October 2020 to [email protected]
There is a COVID safe plan in place, RSVP will assist in everyone having an enjoyable and safe evening.

Xanthorrhoea

by Anna Dunne

(2020) 30.5 x 40.6cm, acrylic on canvas.

Xanthorrhoea is a representation of strength and survival in response to rape. The plant Xanthorrhoea, commonly known as grass trees, are iconic in Australia. Their blackened trunklike bases display their ability to survive bushfires. They grow slowly, and can take well over 20 years to produce their first flowers. It is commonly thought they are dependent on fire to flower. This is not true, however, bushfires stimulate the flowering process. Their ability to regenerate after fire makes them a vital part of the ecosystem to provide sustenance for native animals and insects. Like the Xanthorrhoea, I too have been burned and in pain. I do not believe things happen for a reason - I did not need this life experience to blossom. It did however stimulate growth, and I am in a position to now support others.

Not for sale.

Inside Letting Out

by Dilsah de Rham

(2020) 21 x 29cm, mixed media on paper.

In this painting, Dilsah showed when someone is letting their light out. This action takes courage and sometimes feels lonely in darkness as no one can do it for us. Facing it ourselves is the key to change in this painting.

Sold.

The Ego Let Go

by Dilsah de Rham

(2020) 20 x 24.5cm, mixed media on paper.

In this painting, Dilsah illustrated the time of change when we have to let go an identity as the image we have of ourselves and what others think of us as well.

For Sale $100. Enquire.

Identity Undefined

by Dilsah de Rham

(2020) mixed media on canvas.

In this painting Dilsah shows that our real identity is never fixed and is changing unlimited times. Be is not to be this is key to keep going forward in this image.

For Sale $450. Enquire.

Alone in the World

by Dilsah de Rham

(2020) 20 x 49.5cm, mixed media on canvas.

This painting shows the individual amongst the external forces, energies that sometimes can be overwhelming. These can be the expectations of society, others, cultures. Sometimes we need to protect ourselves from them to be kind to ourselves.

For Sale $300. Enquire.

Opening of the Soul

by Dilsah de Rham

(2020) 30 x 50.5cm, mixed media on paper.

This painting shows the vulnerability of the feminine essence when she opens to shine. All colours are here to describe the stages the essence will have to go through to maybe ending up to light the world . The steps are unlimited and help the person to know themselves deeper before they are ready to show it to others.

For Sale $380. Enquire.

Liberty

by Marilyn Cass

(2019) 53 x 73cm (framed), charcoal on pastel paper.

.. expresses the freedom and triumph of escaping the shackles of her previous life. Although the next steps are unknown, her faith and strength allow her to dance forward, greeting the future with grace and a smile.

Read More...

For Sale $320. Enquire.

You Can't Calculate the Net
Worth of a Goddess

by Kelly Houston

(2020) 60 x 80cm, mixed media on board.

I feel a deep sense of pride when I think about how much resilience there is in women, that we have not only survived, but thrived, generation upon generation, in a world where we are under-valued, disrespected, treated like second class citizens and slaves, or objects to be used and discarded. Our value, our worth in the world cannot be calculated by what we do, what role we play, what service we perform, what value we have in the eyes of others. It cannot be calculated like the net worth lauded by men in positions of power. Our worth is beyond such shallow measures. Our worth lies in the richness of food, culture and language, in the bonds of relationships and the care of our most vulnerable. We stand on the shoulders of every goddess who came before us, who loved and created the world around her and we continue to give birth to the world, every day, in every small act of creativity, of self care, of care for others, which we do not because we anticipate the rewards, but because we know it needs to be done.

Not for sale.

Healing

by Joana Sponsel

(2020) 40 x 60cm, print on canvas.

The picture displays the main emotions occurring during the healing process: numbness, sadness, happiness, despair/exhaustion and anger. The negative emotions might not be visible to other people and hidden behind a happy façade. Sometimes these feelings are not even obvious to me since there are a lot of things that you cannot see if you do not pay intention. The picture also shows that the negative emotions will fade over time and at the end of the healing journey I will be happy again. I want survivors to remember that no matter how tough things get and how hopeless the situation seems to be, you can and you will heal.

Not for sale.

... and then sometimes
we sleep.

by Emma Le Strange

(2020) 45 x 60cm, conte crayon on board.

We were never safe to sleep in his house. I broke us free the day I drove us away. Now we can sleep in peace.

This artwork is featured in the upcoming children’s book “Tea Parties and Pillows” written and illustrated by Emma Le Strange.

Individual prints for sale and book available for preorder. Enquire.

ED - All Consuming

by DH

(2020) 14.8 x 21cm, drawing on paper.

In 2017 during an art therapy session I was asked to create something that would represent how my Eating Disorder (ED) was represented in my thoughts. ED lives on my shoulder, talking to me, telling me what I can and cannot eat, berating me, and giving me negative thoughts constantly about my worth, my decisions and my life. ED grows with his power and is All Consuming. For one of the workshops through BRISSC, the group were learning about collage. I was drawn to the picture of the lion, the words ‘The Choice’, “Between and rock and a hard place’, Big Bad World’ and ‘We are all born the same’, as this is how I feel trying to live with Mental Health, in particular Eating Issues, but we don’t have a choice. Not really. The struggles that I live with as ED screams in my ear that I am not good enough, that I am not worthy of a place in this society and that I am not loved, cannot be shared with the ferocity that he has, hopefully however this can be seen in his eyes. Only I can hear him and only I can understand.

ED - All Consuming

by DH

(2020) 29.7 x 42cm, mixed media on paper.

In 2017 during an art therapy session I was asked to create something that would represent how my Eating Disorder (ED) was represented in my thoughts. ED lives on my shoulder, talking to me, telling me what I can and cannot eat, berating me, and giving me negative thoughts constantly about my worth, my decisions and my life. ED grows with his power and is All Consuming. For one of the workshops through BRISSC, the group were learning about collage. I was drawn to the picture of the lion, the words ‘The Choice’, “Between and rock and a hard place’, Big Bad World’ and ‘We are all born the same’, as this is how I feel trying to live with Mental Health, in particular Eating Issues, but we don’t have a choice. Not really. The struggles that I live with as ED screams in my ear that I am not good enough, that I am not worthy of a place in this society and that I am not loved, cannot be shared with the ferocity that he has, hopefully however this can be seen in his eyes. Only I can hear him and only I can understand.

Half The Sky (Cosmic Clarity)

by J. M. Rae

(2020) 42 x 59.7cm, mixed media on paper.

We hold up half the sky,
Womankind.
When tears we cry.
Ask us why?
When we let our wisdom fly
Be our steadfast ally.

Don’t abuse.
Don't use.
Don’t refuse
To see our bruises.
Don’t accuse
Us of a ruse.

Do support us as we grow
Into the women that we know
We've hidden far below
All the layers bestowed
That create such an undertow.
Stand back as we show
How it’s gonna go
From now on.

Just because it’s shiny
doesn’t mean you can have it.

by Yvie

(2020) 29.7 x 42cm, mixed media on paper.

Not for sale.

The yoni - to be revered, not destroyed. And certainly never taken.

Reflowering:
Transformation of Femininity

by Tania Cusack

(2020) 102 x 102cm, mixed media on canvas.

This highly textured painting is about things which remain unspoken yet go through transformation in the psyche, being turned into something beautiful. The white flames signify the burning purity needed for transformation. The shapes of the flames depict the embracing of femininity and the process of moving something from deflowering to rebirth and renewal. The flowers and dragonflies depict the completion of the transformation. Yellow is the colour of courage to face this process.

For Sale. Enquire.

Read more...

Bwankers

by Sonja Kishar van Ingen

(2020) 102 x 102cm, acrylic on canvas.

What is lost in translation? The truth. The truth is lost in translation, when bankers took control of the Earth, and took without giving thanks or giving back. When greed and ego took root from their sins, translated into us all losing our way, away from the Mother. And what was done onto the Earth, the raping and pillaging of her resources, translated into what is done onto women.

The Story of Healing My Inner Child

by Kavita Sharma. (2020) photographic series.

Alone, abused, unable to speak.

The Story of Healing My Inner Child

by Kavita Sharma. (2020) photographic series.

All those years holding her, not recognising that she needs my help.

I finally look over, scared that the pain would consume and end me.

The Story of Healing My Inner Child

by Kavita Sharma. (2020) photographic series.

The Story of Healing My Inner Child

Finally the courage to speak out, and when I started oh did I roar!

by Kavita Sharma. (2020) photographic series.

The Story of Healing My Inner Child

She saw me. She felt safe.

by Kavita Sharma. (2020) photographic series.

The Story of Healing My Inner Child

She finally had the courage to shout out her pain.

by Kavita Sharma. (2020) photographic series.

The Story of Healing My Inner Child

The shame the discomfort. Not her but of others.

by Kavita Sharma. (2020) photographic series.

The Story of Healing My Inner Child

The heaviness was gone. She felt lighter. She smiled.

by Kavita Sharma. (2020) photographic series.

The Story of Healing My Inner Child

Oh the connection, the acceptance & love.

by Kavita Sharma. (2020) photographic series.

The Story of Healing My Inner Child

I always thought that I had to forget that part of myself. To cut and discard her out of my life in order to move on.
But all along it was love and acceptance. She always has and will always be a part of me.

by Kavita Sharma. (2020) photographic series.

AROHA TINO NUI -
LOVE WHAT IS………

by MAKARETA KL (Margret Leathart)

(2020) 80 x 80cm, mixed media.

Aha koa iti he pounamu - Even though it is small it is a treasure.

TAONGA (Treasure)
Treasure, anything prized applied to anything considered to of value including cultural valuable objects, resources, phenomenon, ideas, techniques and methods. “Taonga puoro (Traditional Maori musical instruments) are seen as children of the families of the gods who brought them into being. Rangi is the word for tunes, and the name of the primal Sky Father to whom music drifts up - so melodic instruments are from the world of Rangi.” teara.govt.nz

AROHA TINO NUI -
LOVE WHAT IS………

by MAKARETA KL (Margret Leathart)

(2020) 80 x 80cm, mixed media.

Aha koa iti he pounamu - Even though it is small it is a treasure.

TAONGA (Treasure)
Treasure, anything prized applied to anything considered to of value including cultural valuable objects, resources, phenomenon, ideas, techniques and methods. “Taonga puoro (Traditional Maori musical instruments) are seen as children of the families of the gods who brought them into being. Rangi is the word for tunes, and the name of the primal Sky Father to whom music drifts up - so melodic instruments are from the world of Rangi.” teara.govt.nz

AROHA TINO NUI -
LOVE WHAT IS………

by MAKARETA KL (Margret Leathart)

(2020) 80 x 80cm, mixed media.

Aha koa iti he pounamu - Even though it is small it is a treasure.

TAONGA (Treasure)
Treasure, anything prized applied to anything considered to of value including cultural valuable objects, resources, phenomenon, ideas, techniques and methods. “Taonga puoro (Traditional Maori musical instruments) are seen as children of the families of the gods who brought them into being. Rangi is the word for tunes, and the name of the primal Sky Father to whom music drifts up - so melodic instruments are from the world of Rangi.” teara.govt.nz

AROHA TINO NUI -
LOVE WHAT IS………

by MAKARETA KL (Margret Leathart)

(2020) 80 x 80cm, mixed media.

Aha koa iti he pounamu - Even though it is small it is a treasure.

TAONGA (Treasure)
Treasure, anything prized applied to anything considered to of value including cultural valuable objects, resources, phenomenon, ideas, techniques and methods. “Taonga puoro (Traditional Maori musical instruments) are seen as children of the families of the gods who brought them into being. Rangi is the word for tunes, and the name of the primal Sky Father to whom music drifts up - so melodic instruments are from the world of Rangi.” teara.govt.nz

AROHA TINO NUI -
LOVE WHAT IS………

by MAKARETA KL (Margret Leathart)

(2020) 80 x 80cm, mixed media.

Aha koa iti he pounamu - Even though it is small it is a treasure.

TAONGA (Treasure)
Treasure, anything prized applied to anything considered to of value including cultural valuable objects, resources, phenomenon, ideas, techniques and methods. “Taonga puoro (Traditional Maori musical instruments) are seen as children of the families of the gods who brought them into being. Rangi is the word for tunes, and the name of the primal Sky Father to whom music drifts up - so melodic instruments are from the world of Rangi.” teara.govt.nz

Sleeping Safely

by Anne

(2020) clay.

This is meant to depict me feeling safe enough to sleep. It’s kind of like a prayer ... or maybe a wish. If I made it in clay, maybe that will help make it happen in real life - being able to sleep at night.

She doesn’t look so relaxed to me.
She looks scared to me.

Sleeping Safely

by Anne

(2020) clay.

This is meant to depict me feeling safe enough to sleep. It’s kind of like a prayer ... or maybe a wish. If I made it in clay, maybe that will help make it happen in real life - being able to sleep at night.

She doesn’t look so relaxed to me.
She looks scared to me.

Sleeping Safely

by Anne

(2020) clay.

This is meant to depict me feeling safe enough to sleep. It’s kind of like a prayer ... or maybe a wish. If I made it in clay, maybe that will help make it happen in real life - being able to sleep at night.

She doesn’t look so relaxed to me.
She looks scared to me.

Invisible Child

by Sia

(2018) 39 x 47cm, photograph.

Sia is a Support and Community Education Worker at BRISSC.

Not for sale.

White Ink

by Scarly

(2018) 60 x 90cm, acrylic on board.

“Censor the body and you censor breath and speech at the same time. Write yourself. Your body must be heard.”
― Helene Cixous, The Laugh of the Medusa

Not for sale.

Solidarity

by Milena

(2020) Polymer clay, agate and carnelian.

Recognising the strength women receive from other women, how we can support one another and grow together.

Not for sale.

Open Vessel

by Marilyn Cass

(2020) clay.

Not for sale.

Open Vessel

by Marilyn Cass

(2020) clay.

Not for sale.

Open Vessel

by Marilyn Cass

(2020) clay.

Not for sale.

Open Vessel

by Marilyn Cass

(2020) clay.

Not for sale.

Ting

by Karin Cheyne

(2020) ink on paper.

Mer-Woman on a Boat

by Karin Cheyne

(2020) ink on paper.