Aleesa Xiriha HEARING LOSS IS NO BARRIER TO SUCCESS (Vic)

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

My artwork addresses the theme ‘I CAN…’ by illustrating that although I can’t hear the world as much as some others can, I can still see its beauty through sight and still achieve high goals as there is no barrier stopping me. The eye with the puzzle piece in the centre, symbolises that despite hearing limitations, I can see and connect with the world. The puzzle piece represents the journey of achieving goals and the progress needed to complete them, showing that even with challenges, I can find my place. The rocks represent two stages, the starting point to your destined goal. The wording ‘I can achieve’ represents that I can achieve anything I put my mind to, as there is no such thing as I can’t, which is why the ‘t’ is falling down from the cliff, fading away for ‘Can’t’, turning it into ‘I Can’. The mountains symbolise the obstacles between your goal from what you want to achieve, while the flying planes show movement towards success, emphasising that I can do anything, and anything is possible with determination.

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

My artwork with the theme ‘I can…’ explores the idea of achieving goals and overcoming barriers, specifically hearing limitations and focusing on what you can do instead of what you cannot. It also highlights sight, connection, progress and perseverance, reinforcing the message that challenges do not define what we are capable of achieving.

What type of art have you submitted and why?

I have submitted a coloured pencil drawing. I chose this medium because it allows me to create detailed and vibrant image. The bright colours symbolise the beauty that we can see and the more darker colours representing challenges that we can overcome. I also chose this to show the message of achievement, and connection through colour and shading.