SAFE. EVERYWHERE. ALWAYS.
This Chair is important, it matters, as did and do the lives of Domestic Violence Victims all over NSW, other States and Territories Australia wide and globally around the world. My piece reflects those groups affected but does not, cannot encompass all due to the limited time and space. Groups affected are Women, Children,  Gender Diverse communities, men and all cultures and Nations/Countries. I used a collage framework to bring together the various aspects and groups affected by Domestic Violence. 'The Chair' - is a different 'Colour' on each individual part and reflects the colour and divergence of people but especially Women, who are affected by Domestic Violence. I have a Leg to represent the whole Gay Community, a leg face to represent the Transgender Community, a Leg Face to represent the Bi Community,  Cis colours White Bar, Grey Panel (back of seat) and Hot Pink Leg for both Cis Gendered and 18 - 60's Women, a Lilac Leg to represent Older Women. I made Gay floofy to include cross dressing and exuberance etc. Underneath The Chair is painted Blue, because Blue is actually the most popular colour choice for Women globally, as Blue engenders confidence and security. It is also the colour used by many public services including Police, Fire, Ambulance, Governments etc. 'The Blue' also recognises the unseen or hidden victims of DV. Those who have looked for help but not received it. For those who cannot ask for help yet. For Disabled Victims, Religious Victims, for those who cannot yet reach out. For unborn babies who are silent victims. For Animals who are unable to ask for help. The 'Fabric Bows' - represent Women and tie women together across the world as fabric is something that almost every single Woman or DV victim handles, produces, makes things from, wears, decorates or uses for protection, across the World. Each of these fabrics are from or made in  a different part of the World. I have chosen to 'rip not cut' the fabrics to show one of the common aspects of early physical abuse, torn clothing. 'No Means No' - is on the bar at the back of 'The Seat' to represent our voices collectively saying No More!  "Safe. Everywhere. Always." “The Seat' - has a collage face, again made up of many different pieces of paper and fabric to represent the 'Face of a Woman', which could be any woman. Her expression is one of concern and uncertainty.
ABC 1234 - The Front of the Seat is to represent 'Children' who are also often victims of Domestic Violence, sometimes sadly with fatal consequences. 'No Shame!' - to encourage speaking up and not feeling Shame, as a victim. Also to encourage perpetrators to ask for help and to Stop Generational Violence. Chains' - the Chains either side of The Chair seat represent the 'Broken Chains' that often bind Women in DV relationships. These Chains are often invisible, although sadly sometimes also physical. The 'Red Painted Ends' represent the breaking of said Chains that represent the moment of liberation.  Starting on The Seat are 'Buttons' that represent 'Butterfly Eggs', which lead to a 'Butterfly', which lead to other 'Butterflies', getting larger as they go up the chair. These represent Women's growing awareness of DV and their own Strength growing stronger, leading to their eventual escape, the 'Butterfly at the top of The Chair'. 'Angel Wings' - finally the top bar of The Chair is dedicated to all the 'Victims of Domestic Violence' who are no longer here to tell their story. On the back is Brown to represent the Earth and on the front is Blue with wispy clouds and a Rising Sun to represent a new day and being in a place where Violence can no longer touch them, but not forgotten, never forgotten. - Jane