Thinking About Memorials
** Content Warning: Includes reference to sexual assault and sexual abuse**
If you need assistance with the issue of sexual assault or abuse please contact:
Ballarat CASA 03 5320 3933 or After Hours/Crisis Care 24 hours - free call 1800 806 292
Thinking About Monuments, Maquettes and Metaphors is an exhibition of sculptures made by survivors in response to what a memorial for sexual abuse survivors could look like. Artist Eliza-Jane Gilchrist ran workshops over the course of six weeks to assist the survivors, now artists to explore ideas through the use of metaphor. Participants also devised participatory elements to encourage engagement and discussion.
The exhibition was held 10-30 April 2021 at Artspace Ballarat, 14 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central.
Prior to the exhibition workshops were held on 25 January, 01, 08,15 & 22 February & 01 March 2021. Sculptor Eliza-Jane Gilchrist ran a weekly session open to all survivors of sexual abuse and assault in Ballarat to investigate their ideas around memorial sculpture. During the Thinking About Memorials workshops participants looked at other examples of contemporary public memorials and discussed the many ways in which the public can be invited to engage with a memorial. They began making collage and drawing to begin the design process, then continued with several workshops dedicated to 3d construction to translate ideas into maquettes.
Participants working on ‘Thinking About Memorials’. L-R Paul Auchettl, Livio Turkovic and Maggie Schirmer. Photo: Jary Nemo, Wind & Sky Productions.
Please note: Participants at all sessions were supported with professional services provided by the Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault and/or other trained sexual abuse support workers. All artists were been trained in Trauma Informed Principles and will be supported to create a safe space for participants throughout the delivery of the project. All participants retain the right to remain anonymous in their participation.
“Hard topics to discuss and talk about, but it’s great we can do it.”
Artworks from top left to bottom right: 1. Play with Me by Paul Auchettl and Eliza-Jane Gilchrist, 1. Play with Me by Paul Auchettl 3. Untitled by Livio Turkovic, 4. Not Alone by Livio Turkovic, 5. Help Them Get Over It by Trevor Coad, 6/7. Millstone of Hope by Trevor Coad, 8. The Agony of Golden Silence by Maggie Schirmer, 9. Fragility Bound by Maggie Schirmer, 10. Trapped by the Church by Livio Turkovic, 11. My Life: Your Children's Lives. Will I Live Through This? By Livio Turkovic, 12. Swept Under The Carpet by Maggie Schirmer, 13. It's Only From the Heart That One Can See by Paul Auchettl, 14. Can of Worms by Maggie Schirmer, 15/16. Exhibition view.
“Thank you to you all for being open, vulnerable and generous of spirit. It is with exhibitions like these that shines a light and creates conversation. As a survivor I have appreciated and admired all of your creations. You have prompted thoughts and ideas and my interpretations of your creations has led to conversation and will lead to many more. Thank you.”
This project is part of Continuous Voices
Continuous Voices is a project that connects trauma and creativity to stand for change and resistance against sexual assault and sexual abuse. The project acknowledges the courage of those who have stood for change and provides hope for these continuous voices to be heard. The project will work towards creating a public space in Ballarat to reflect. The shape of this space and memorial will be determined through creative collaborations with community.