Hayley Edgar SOCIETY CAN’T DEFINE ME (Vic)

Tell us how your artwork addresses this year’s theme ‘I Can’:  

This theme to me hints at the ignorant assumptions made due to stereotypes that people ‘can’t’ do something. This is often due to preconceived ideas of someone’s ability based on misinformation. Therefore, my artwork is about helping challenge this narrative by flipping the question, why wouldn’t I be able to? Of course, there are things I can’t do but that’s the same for anyone. Hence my artwork explores a narrative arc that suggest that it’s not the individual’s ability that might prohibit them but rather the environment they live in. This then emphasises the necessity of positive representation and community. With both, people can achieve whatever they want.

Tell us about the ideas or themes your artwork explores with the theme ‘I Can’:  

Image 1: Barriers 

I wanted to explore why someone ‘can’t’ do something, which is generally influenced by the world we live in. This can be seen in:

– Butterfly to represent a Deaf person

– Single butterfly to capture loneliness/isolation

– Butterfly is trapped, therefore it can’t…

– Use of glass jar to represent how the problem is visible/ both parties can see the issue

– The butterfly can’t free itself = society needs to provide accessibility

– Use of blue fabric to mimic water = the sensation of feeling alone and drowning in a world not made for you

Image 2: Power of Representation 

I want to flip the narrative, demonstrating how access can open doors. This can be seen by:

– Flipped over glass = butterfly free

– Lego plant = growth

– Another butterfly = friendship and the importance of community

– Deaf stories = positive representations that make individuals feel seen and realise their potential. – Deaf Authors, highlight how Deaf people can be creative, have careers/ jobs, be independent and be part of the solution

– Books in general represent knowledge = importance of access to education for Deaf individuals but also educating society.

– Australian books because it’s important to see Australian representation & teach the world that sign language is not universal

– My hearing aid and CI in a love heart and adding colour = pride. These are tools I use to help access the things I love, like musical theatre.

– Notebook open with an empty page = write my own story

Image 3: Endless possibilities 

I wanted to illustrate just some of the things people can do. This can be seen by:

– Headphones = enjoying music

– Ribbons/medal =  Dance + successful

– Basketball + Swim goggles = active, play sports, be part of a team/community

– Paints = Creativity

– Whisks = cooking/baking, thus independence

– Boxing gloves= strength and self-advocacy

What type of art have you submitted and why?

I chose to submit a photography series because I enjoy being able capture a moment in time to tell a story. I felt that this needed to be a series as there’s a lot to explore in this theme. I feel the images really work well together to help create the intended narrative.