- Home
- Hansard & Papers
- Legislative Council
- 9 May 2002
Gazing Out Exhibition
Printing Tips |
Print selected text
| Full Day Hansard Transcript
« Prior Item |
Item 47 of 52
| Next Item »
Page: 1933
The Hon. AMANDA FAZIO [11.00 p.m.]: On Wednesday 24 April I had the pleasure of representing the Minister for Disability Services, the Hon. Faye Lo Po', at the opening of the Gazing Out Exhibition at the Firstdraft Gallery at Surry Hills. The exhibition was organised by Accessible Arts, a community-based organisation which believes that the arts enrich our lives in diverse ways, as spectators, amateurs or professionals, that everyone has a need for self-expression, and that people with disabilities are no different. Accessible Arts started in 1986 as an art project of Community Activities Network and by 1990 was an independent incorporated association receiving support from the Federal and State governments to provide a statewide service. Today Accessible Arts is a progressive arts organisation which develops innovative initiatives that are used as models. Inclusive arts practices encourage collaboration between the arts and disabilities communities and develop new technologies and methods of teachings to address access issues.
The Gazing Out Exhibition was a wonderful showcase for not just the work of Accessible Arts but for the talent of the artists who contributed their works. In our day-to-day life of work and family we can sometimes forget the importance of art and the power it has to shape our understanding of our environment and our world view. Art and artists continue to be controversial because they can and do challenge our beliefs and values. The Gazing Out Exhibition continues that tradition by providing the opportunity for artists with a disability to have their work placed on public view to be appraised and appreciated by the public. I acknowledge the excellent briefing that I was provided with by staff of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. These staff are able to appreciate the value of these artworks without dwelling on the disabilities of the artists. That approach was greatly appreciated by the artists. Their work was being valued for its artistic merits rather than on any other criterion. In particular, I want to focus on the work of a few of the artists participating in the exhibition.
Ali Mohammed Faqirzada had two watercolours on display, both depicting scenes from his native Afghanistan. The largest painting showed one of the statues of Buddha which were blown up by the Taliban last year. The other painting was a more traditional style miniature with fine detail and showed a high level of skill and wonderful technique. As a young boy, Ali's talents were recognised by his father, who sought out opportunities for his son, as no schools for the deaf existed in Kabul. Ali spent a lot of time in India from 1996 to last year, and was able to avoid most of the conflict, but was not able to pursue his art. Ali was granted refugee status in 2001 and has now settled in Sydney and is developing his English and Auslan skills. Ali is a charming young man who I am sure will become a valued part of the local artistic community.
Nguyen Doa Hoang also came to Australia as a refugee, arriving from Vietnam, via Thailand, in 1986. He worked as a machine operator for 13 years and pursued his love of photography part time. Due to a permanent back injury, he began working from a home studio as a professional photographer, which was the career he left behind in Vietnam. He stated, "The idea behind my work is that I like to paint but cannot." His photos show aspects of everyday life that also highlight the many cultural differences in our community. Finally, I want to comment on the work of John Havilah who produced ten small texta drawings, in combinations of red, black and blue colours. His works were entitled "My Drawings Nos 1-10". These finely detailed geometric pieces were some of the most popular on exhibition and many were sold on the opening night. John is a young man with an intellectual disability who creates very vibrant works, one of which was chosen for the cover of the exhibition catalogue.
One of the most important aspects of this exhibition was that the artwork was challenging, quirky, showed highly developed and diverse techniques, and was very impressive. All those present at the opening were also equally impressed by the works on display. My congratulations go to all those involved, especially the artists. On a slightly different note, I must say that I am overwhelmed by the response I have received to my last adjournment speech. I underestimated how many Ramones fans there are. But it would be remiss of me to not incorporate on the public record that not only is one of my puppies called Joey Ramone, but the other one is called Dee Dee, both being the names of members of the Ramones. They are both Shihtzu Bichon Frise crosses who can at times be as wild as the Ramones.
Last modified 05/12/2007 16:37:28 : Update this page