Words by Lynn Le
Art has always been a powerful medium for challenging societal norms and advocating for change. In Australia, feminist art continues to play a pivotal role in pushing boundaries, raising awareness, and fostering equality.
The Feminist Art & Activism Series features three groundbreaking projects that exemplify this: BLK MLBRN by Arika Waulu, No Human Being is Illegal by Deborah Kelly, and The 2022 Countess Report by Miranda Samuels and Shevaun Wright. These projects not only challenge perceptions but inspire action, combining art and activism in profound ways.
BLK MLBRN by Arika Waulu
BLK MLBRN, led by First Nations artist and activist Arika Waulu, is more than just an art project—it’s a movement dedicated to amplifying Black and Indigenous voices in Melbourne. Waulu’s work, such as Real Blak Tingz: Gabi Briggs x Arika Waulu – Blak Matriarchy, focuses on the strength of Black matriarchs, underscoring their essential role in the fight for justice and cultural survival. Through community engagement and public performances, BLK MLBRN occupies spaces often dominated by mainstream narratives, creating visibility for marginalised voices.
This initiative strengthens community bonds by involving local artists and community members in the creative process. By making the experiences of Black and Indigenous women central to the narrative, Waulu challenges the exclusionary practices of the art world and asserts who deserves to be seen and celebrated.
No Human Being is Illegal by Deborah Kelly
Deborah Kelly’s No Human Being is Illegal is a profound artistic response to the dehumanisation of migrants and refugees. Kelly passionately rejects the notion of “illegality” when it comes to human beings, asserting that no person’s worth should be reduced to their immigration status. By collaborating with 11 participants chosen through a lottery, Kelly elevates personal stories of migration, transforming their experiences into powerful symbols of resilience and hope. Her work implores us to see beyond borders, urging society to embrace empathy and solidarity with those seeking refuge.
Through her bold imagery and heartfelt narratives, Kelly’s project humanises one of the most politically charged issues of our time. It challenges us to look at the human face behind the headlines, to see individuals who carry with them dreams, pain, and an indomitable will to survive. No Human Being is Illegal is not just a critique of policy—it is a call to reawaken our shared humanity. By bridging art and activism, Kelly invites us to imagine a world where everyone is met with dignity, where compassion triumphs over fear, and where no one is deemed “illegal.”
The 2022 Countess Report by Miranda Samuels and Shevaun Wright
The 2022 Countess Report, authored by Miranda Samuels and Shevaun Wright, presents an in-depth analysis of gender representation in Australia’s visual arts sector. The report’s findings are stark: women and non-binary artists continue to face underrepresentation in leadership roles, solo exhibitions, and prestigious art prizes. Samuels and Wright’s data-driven approach provides hard evidence for the ongoing gender disparities, making a compelling case for systemic change.
This report’s strength lies in its use of comprehensive statistics to hold art institutions accountable. By making these inequalities visible, the Countess Report challenges the art world to acknowledge the diversity within Australia’s artistic community and to work towards a more inclusive future.
