Furlong Park Primary School BRIGHT HANDS SIGN TOGETHER (VIC)

Tell us how your artwork addresses this year’s theme ’We belong’:   

This artwork shows various Auslan handshapes and gestures linked to the idea of connection and communication within the Deaf community and beyond. It shows that Deaf people can use Auslan as a way to show that they belong in the Deaf community. However, many of the signs would also be recognisable to people who have had no exposure to the Deaf community or to sign languages, thus showing the power of signs to create a feeling of inclusivity and belonging regardless of whether or not they are Deaf. 

Tell us about the ideas or themes your artwork explores with the theme ‘We belong’:   

This artwork explores the idea of individuality within a community, and how language can help to create a shared sense of belonging. It represents individuals within the Deaf community coming together to create a sense of belonging for everyone through the use of Auslan. It shows that when individuals contribute in small ways, such as with a simple sign for communication and connection, they can create something that is bigger than the sum of its parts. In this case, it is a community where people can communicate without barriers, where language and culture are valued, and where everyone can feel like they belong. 

What type of art have you submitted and why? :  

The artwork is a simple college consisting of individual pieces arranged together in a grid. It was created using coloured paper and markers. This medium was chosen because the paper allowed for the use of varied colour to create contrast, and the markers stood out clearly for patterns and outlines