vandalised portrait of social inclusion

22 July 2019

....There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t been said before. The anger I live with, the feeling of being on edge walking down the street alone and the dehumanising (in this case, the literal de-facing) of marginalised identities... all that blends in to the white noise of my everyday.

These series of violent acts were hopefully not a targeted attack and not done with any real directed malice, but what if they were, you know? It all brings these uncomfortable things and feelings to the fore. Usually social discrimination is disguised under a thin layer of niceties, superficial inclusion and a slightly gross kindness that slips through my fingers when I try to genuinely engage with it.

The anger behind these actions is something tangible that we can fight back against. The production, which the street gallery is apart of, An unconventional Tour is about exactly that. It’s all about making unconscious discrimination tangible and then confronting and challenging it. This is why art and community is so important, this is why this particular work is so wonderful, it allows voices to be heard, conversations to happen, and connections to be formed, that wouldn’t otherwise. The group of artists I’m working with are so talented, dedicated and passionate, this art tour is not to be missed, actually it probably would be an eye-opener for whoever vandalised the portraits. ‘We will never ever stop [making art]’ - Brenden Borellini, Crossroad Arts Inc ambassador and artist-in-residence.

The show will go on, of course. OF COURSE.

Please donate if you can. Xx