In to the melting pot

Artist's Statement

In 2013 whilst involved in the Leaders for Tomorrow Program Deb commenced studying at the Brisbane Institution of Art. In 2014 she created her first doll ‘Gabby’. Deb’s then mentor thought Gabby was more craft then art.  She still struggles with the understanding of “what is at?” and “what is craft” and admits this current exhibition crosses the boundaries.

What is more important in this exhibition is to creating a platform for debate on diversity and social inclusion.  For Deb good art, creates discussion and forces us to ask questions.  Art is not to answer these questions but to promote debate.

As an artist Deb is drawn to the human eye.  We all know these are the windows to our soul.  Both as a poet and an artist Deb has explored the human existence and emotions.  Her own eyes hide what it means to constantly fight and validate your own rights in a world where disability is less instead of differently abled. 

Like all artists she struggles with her identity and feels her work is potentially less valued due to the imperfections’  of hand movements.  Through the journey of ‘the melting pot’ doll by doll’ Deb demands a voice and a value to her work.  For each individuals regardless of colour, creed, gender, beliefs or abilities add to the fabric which is woven into community.

In mist of diversity we need to value each other.  In the exhibition Deb has chosen no to give some dolls faces.  These dolls represent the voiceless, those with disabilities is the streets of Calcutta, disregarded by society.  In modern Australia many with disability, because of their impairments cannot access the legal system and those remain un protected from those who seek to abused them. 

As the exhibition progressed, so too has the emergence of the struggle rights for marriage and equality in married and the division of refugees.  A nation of immigrates to took occupation of an occupied land and label its inhabits as ‘sabotages’, now call those seeking refuge, criminals.

These are detained like our First Australians, like those with disabilities deny naturally justice, imprisoned - indefinitely without a trail.  Deb wants to be proud to be Australian, but said our current world standing causes her to borrow her head in shame.