Trigger Warning: This page may contain information relating to someone's gender inequitable experiences including suicides. This may be triggering to readers with similar experiences.
This submission is part of the Expressions of Gender Equity art project - a 2021 International Women's Day initiative. We thank all artists who responded to our artistic briefs and are honoured to showcase their work.
Artist Statement
In response to the art brief:
“The nakedness represents vulnerability; there’s nothing to hide. She’s also unmistakably female; with her womanly curves embraced for the sex appeal. At the same time though, this woman is faceless; because she feels her opinions don’t matter, and she’s safer with anonymity- better to be seen and not heard, right?
By keeping without an opinion, there’s less for people to judge, and less risk of becoming a target. She stays shy and silent, engulfed by the night around her. The edges of the silhouette are soft because a woman’s shape is ever-changing through life stages, and that too impacts how vulnerable or otherwise she may be feeling.”
Art Brief
Georgia Powell
Beatrix the Brave, 2021
Orange, NSW, Australia | Painting
About the Artist:
I am an amateur painter (at best), but also a daughter, a wife, a fitness enthusiast and a veterinarian. I grew up in a family and town with conservative Christian views. I work in an industry dominated by female staff, yet male decision makers. It’s also an industry where businesses can be crippling in their conservatism, or boldly supportive. The veterinary industry is struggling with dramatic changes in the demographic of its workforce as compared to 50years ago; with massive changes in gender balance, as well as changed family expectations. Changing attitudes, combined with changing workloads in the wake of COVID-19, resonate through the workforce and are contributing to a state of tension and flux at present time.
Note from the Editor-in-Chief: Featured on the left is Gus, Georgia’s extremely photogenic cat.
