When Art Speaks

Those who regularly read my blog know I have two passions in life. One is art and the other is being a voice for people with disabilities.  For the last 5 years I have actively been engaging the Ipswich Community in a conversation around art and social inclusion.  Many people with disabilities do not feel they have a voice. That is why I find 'To GOMA' a powerful work of art.  For those who don't live in South-East Queensland, G.O.M.A. is Gallery of Modern Art.  In terms of representation few artists with disabilities have works held by the Australian Art Bank. Galleries across Australia rent collections of artworks for display. This is the ultimate aim for professional artists working in Australia. 

Today was an opportunity for some artists to start this journey. Arts Connect Inc is currently hosting an art exhibition 'Hearing Your Voice' at the Ipswich Community Gallery, a gallery where several predominately local artists began - Deb Mostert and Donna Davis are two that come to my mind.  Hearing Your Voice is the first exhibition for artists with disabilities to be hosted in Ipswich by an organisation not belonging to the disability sector in Ipswich. 

This group exhibition is a mixture of professional artists, emerging artists, hobbyists and school students.  The organising committee has spent the last 12 months, feeling out the local artists and working with disability support providers to bring to you this high quality body of work. 

Some works are a result of collaborative processes and others are by artists already known in the community.  A professional artist is someone who is active in the creation of artwork and the arts community. 

Many are exhibiting their work for the first time and most art and craft pieces are for sale.  Together this group of artists have banded together thanks to Arts Connect to showcase their work and have a collective voice. 

"Here we are and here we belong!"

Whether an artist has a physical, sensory, intellectual or emotional impairment this exhibition proves the only thing that is relevant to their artistic endeavours is the talent and skills they currently have on exhibit. 

The artwork in this exhibition does speak for itself and I am sure for each of us the message is very different.  I really encourage anyone who has some spare time this weekend to take the opportunity to see how each of the artists has presented their voice in the exhibition.  The exhibition is open to the public this Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm.

Judith Baker, artist who has worked in the Ipswich and Lockyer Regions for 30 years assures us, 'Once my art is hung on a gallery wall, my disability becomes invisible.'

Please come and let our art speak to you!