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Creative Voices Wimmera
Creative Voices Art Exhibition
Dates
27 November – 20 December 2024
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Location
Horsham Centre for Participation
39 Urquhart St, Horsham VIC 3400
Creative Voices: Taking Action
This 16 Days of Activism initiative draws on local practitioners’ knowledge, experience and practice wisdom to demonstrate the gendered drivers of violence against women as they present across the continuum – prevention, early intervention, response and recovery.
Violence against women is a serious, prevalent, and preventable violation of human rights. Women in rural, regional, and remote communities often face increased risks of violence and unique challenges in accessing support services.
Across the Wimmera region there are services dedicated to preventing and responding to violence against women and children. These services deliver prevention programs in schools, workplaces and community groups, provide crisis support, case management and housing and support women throughout their journey to recovery through counselling and group support.
Creative Voices: Taking Action exhibition highlights the profound impact of sexual and family violence on women and children and the vital role that individuals, communities and organisations play in preventing violence and fostering safety and support for those impacted. The exhibition is part of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, a global United Nation’s campaign to support and encourage action to prevent violence against women.
We encourage you to consider the actions highlighted in this exhibition and hold conversations at home, work, school, sporting clubs and social groups. Together we can create a society free from violence – a place where everyone is safe, equal and respected.
Retreat by Anonymous
The geometric shapes depicted in the artwork reflect the rigid gender stereotypes that present themselves in today’s society.
The rigidity of the shapes reflects fixed beliefs and assumptions of ‘normal’ and accepted ways be in the world.” Their sharp edges reflect the strict and harsh order we place on others to conform and a boundary line to that will have consequences to cross.
The spaces between are stark and uncompromising enforcing separation and discourage flexibility or freedom to be ourselves.
The artwork is a reminder of the importance in fostering positive personal identities that are not constrained or limited by gender stereotypes. We must support people to critique and reject rigid gender roles and expectations. Allowing all of us more choice and opportunity to live our lives as we want, without constriction.
Just Be by Claire
The artwork is inspired by Claire’s desire to see a world free from violence and oppression. A place where everyone is safe, accepted and thriving. Claire reflects on a world where violence against women is challenged, where everyone has the courage to call out attitudes and behaviours that diminish and sexualise women.
A world that breaks free from gender stereotypes and every single person is given the permission to “just be” in whatever form that is. Where society supports us to be the best version of ourselves and everyone has a voice. Where we are given the space to be loved and supported for our differences and our own thoughts.
Where dominance and control are replaced with values of respect and equality. Providing space to erase learnt behaviours, living in the present and celebrating our uniqueness.
Trailblazers by Leeony
In this piece the artist reflects on the way attitudes and beliefs are passed down through generations. When aggression, sexism and disrespect towards women is normalised amongst men and boys, it creates a culture where violence against women is more likely to be used, supported, excused or ignored.
The purple brushstrokes symbolise a shift in values, where men and boys move away from cultures of aggression, dominance, and control. Instead, masculinity is expressed in diverse ways, allowing men and boys to explore new ways of being, fostering healthier relationships with their partners, families, and co-workers.
At the same time the red colours reflect women’s voices. Standing on the shoulders of those before them the trailblazers of a movement for equality. The richness of the red becomes more potent as the voices get louder. These women are resilient, they are the voice of the future, and they represent women across the nation who will not be silenced.
As the blues and reds slowly merge towards each other the artist imagines the gap between gender inequality closing. A society where everyone is safe, equal and respected.
Behind the Bars by Anonymous
The artist thoughtfully reflects on the emotions that arise when experiencing intimate partner violence through a spectrum of colours depicting different emotions. The reds, blues and purples represent the conflicting feelings of fear, sadness, anger and love.
As these emotions drip down the canvas, they begin to depict bars, slowly isolating the woman centred in the artwork away. Blocking her freedom and removing independence.
The bars are lined with the words of those using violence… “you made me do it” … “you’ve changed” … “I’ll promise to be better”.
The artist has captured the reality of coercive control, the emotional abuse and patterns of behaviour practiced by those using violence.
As a community we must recognise signs and act by addressing the underlying attitudes and behaviours that drive coercive control early, we can prevent it and other forms of family violence that may follow or accompany it.
Through the Flames by Anonymous
The artwork depicts the chaos and struggle that those impacted by violence are confronted with.
As someone experiencing sexual or family violence, it can feel like the intensity of fighting through flames to be acknowledged or heard. No matter how loud you speak, your voice feels unheard. Against a backdrop of chaos, the trauma and pain are constant. The mix of emotions is like a hectic emotional rollercoaster that the victim is forced to endure. The strength of women impacted by violence is their incredible resilience. Their ability to fight through the flames and rise up is beyond most people’s comprehension.
The aspiration for most who live with violence, is a life without fear or threats. Aspiration for practitioners working with victim-survivors is to support recovery by providing choice, enhance quality of life and create opportunities for women to rebuild their sense of control and freedom.
The power shift towards promoting women to leadership positions is an impactful way to enact change, breaking down societal barriers and misconceptions, so women are valued and treated with respect.
Deeply Rooted by Helen
A survivor herself, Helen has dedicated her life and career to supporting women and children experiencing family violence. Helen’s artwork mirrors a woman as the tree, the leaves fallen but a glimmer of light remains. The roots under the earth represent all the intangible ties that keep someone experiencing violence from leaving. They are the things that have been taken away. These ties represent the control that keep the victim deeply rooted and unable to move.
The tree can’t be free, there appears to be no way out. Depicted under the surface is some light, some strength that is fighting to make its way up to the surface. The struggle is heavy – but the spark has not died – it’s still alive and poised to be set free.
Out of the Woods by Anonymous
The artwork is a collaboration between two Violence Support and Advocacy workers to represent the journey family violence victims face when seeking support. The journey through family violence is represented by a dark thick forest. While it can include periods of light, of hope, it is not straightforward or linear, and the path is not marked. For many women the forest is isolating, confusing, with barriers and setbacks they navigate alone.
The other side of the artwork depicts when victims find help. The hands represent those of support, helping people break free from the cycle of violence. One by one each hand represents a different service, a glimmer of light out of the darkness. Each hand overlays another, supporting recovery to alleviate the negative impacts of violence on their lives: and create opportunities for them find their voice. Different colours represent the various supports along the way, services, friends and family. The handprints punctuate the journey of escaping family violence and the pathway to safety.
Our Truth by Christine
Rise
When feeling dark clouds of anguish covering you with sorrow and despair.
You are not alone, don’t look away.
Rise, awaken, cradle your pain while speaking your truth
with tears of compassion and hope, looking towards the
light holding justice, truth, strength and consciousness
as together building a united front, walls of oppression
won’t define as we stand united rising towards our authentic self.
Don’t look away you’re not alone, you are held, stay strong.
This artwork represents the acceptance of healing and a rejection of sexual and family violence and harmful forms of masculinity. Christine references a quote from Dr Gabor Mate an expert on trauma and healing, who says;
“Every human has a true authentic self. Trauma is the disconnection from it. And healing is the reconnection to it”
The journey of healing is about reconnecting to who we really are. It’s about accepting our personality, learning to love ourselves as individuals. When we suffer trauma, we are disconnected from our true essence. All those traits that make us unique and special. When healing is trauma-informed we create our own future and reconnect back to our own truth.
Christine reflects on the journey of recovery through a poem written to accompany her artwork, a message to all those experiencing violence you are not alone.
We acknowledge the strength, trauma and resilience of all people impacted by sexual and family violence.
This project is led by The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre, in partnership with Grampians Community Health, Headspace Horsham and Women’s Health Grampians.
