We are only a few weeks away from our opening at Noosa Regional Gallery.
Susan and I have been working away on our individual works, to support our twenty collaborative artists' books that will form the centrepiece of our exhibition.
I have chosen to link my works to the collaboration - to show how the collaboration has influenced me, and how my work has been expressed in the collaboration. A little bit like a figure 8 - I bring myself and my work to our collaborative books; and out of our collaborative books I find myself doing new things...
So my supporting body of work is in parts - I will be showing work around women; around war and peace and around birds and nests...
This series of 52 books - Time to Change - is one part of the women's work. In my 50 word artist's statement about them I say:
The front covers use stitches to count the dead women.
And the inside pages are all individual - as are the women who have died. As are the thousands more who face controlling, aggressive partners and ex-partners each day.
The burnt patterns reflect these women's suffering and pain.
The clocks parts remind us that it is time to change the way we deal with this issues; time to change how we respond to women fleeing violence and time to change our laws.
These women were mothers, daughters, sisters, friends...
Susan and I have been working away on our individual works, to support our twenty collaborative artists' books that will form the centrepiece of our exhibition.
I have chosen to link my works to the collaboration - to show how the collaboration has influenced me, and how my work has been expressed in the collaboration. A little bit like a figure 8 - I bring myself and my work to our collaborative books; and out of our collaborative books I find myself doing new things...
So my supporting body of work is in parts - I will be showing work around women; around war and peace and around birds and nests...
This series of 52 books - Time to Change - is one part of the women's work. In my 50 word artist's statement about them I say:
"In 2014
one Australian woman was killed each week, by a partner or former partner.
These women were mothers, daughters, sisters, friends. 52 books make up this
library, hand-stitched covers count the dead, pages with unique burnt patterns
recognise their suffering. Clocks parts tell us it is time to change"
The 52 books are now housed in their in their own library/book case.
The front covers use stitches to count the dead women.
And the inside pages are all individual - as are the women who have died. As are the thousands more who face controlling, aggressive partners and ex-partners each day.
The burnt patterns reflect these women's suffering and pain.
These women were mothers, daughters, sisters, friends...
This work stems from one of our collaborative books - White Ribbon Day. That book started me on a journey to use some of my artists' books to raise awareness around family violence in Australia.
Details of the show can be found here at Noosa Regional Gallery.
Opening night is Friday 23 October at 6pm.
The show runs until Sunday 6 December.
Would love to see some of you there!
EXCELLENT!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue
DeleteWow Fiona, what a journey you have been on with your books, l wish you all the best for your up and coming exhibition , you have done such an amazing amount of work that represents the message you are trying to get across , for all those mothers sisters, daughters and friends , and the message of peace that maybe one day the world will finally get it- here's hoping- well done , go get 'em
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate - as I look around there is huge amount of work. Hopefully a lot of folk will see the work and get a hint o fate messages...thanks for the wishes! Go well.
Deleteyou and Susan both make such beautiful poignant work, this exhibition will be magic!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mo - we are similar but different but somehow it works! Looking forward to the work being hung, having the show opened and then relaxing a wee bit.
DeleteWow. these are very deep in their telling. I hope it moves even one, but so many more. to take steps for change. To recognise what is happening and report or do something to stop it.
ReplyDeleteSandy in the UK
Thanks Sandy - I think there is much to do in helping bystanders take small steps. It is so hard to intervene or challenge, it would be good for us all to learn small ways we can help...go well.
DeleteTruly beautiful, Fiona, and carrying such a powerful message. All the best to you and Susan for your exhibition, it will be amazing, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol for your wishes and support - fingers crossed all goes well.
DeleteBeautifully constructed piece of work Fiona. Can't wait to see your exhibition, I'm sure it's going to be thought provoking and stunning.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robyn - it will certainly be a bit of a feast for the yes I think; lots to look at! Go well.
DeleteWhat a tremendous undertaking, and a truly beautiful result dedicated to such a difficult issue. Your piece will surely help to raise awareness among victims and/or those who love them...and maybe even speak to the ones who perpetuate the violence. I'm truly impressed by the beauty you've created, especially as contrasted with the horror of the aggressive nature of the violence. Together, these 52 books make a real impact...
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa - 52 small books was a lot of work and stitching; but it needs that sort of number to have impact. It will be good if people start talking about the issue after seeing them. Go well.
Delete