A new art project requires interaction from its audience – photographer Jodie Harris is inviting people to write a ‘Dear Survivor’ letter as part of her Salt: Bearing Witness exhibition.
The photos for this exhibition were shot on a salt lake in western Victoria. Harris says it was the only location where the images could be shot. ’It stands as an important metaphor in the work.’
A challenging environment
Harris says the salt lake as a location was a challenge. ‘It was difficult to access and presented a challenging environment for shooting for both myself and my model. The series was shot over two years. The process of completing this body of work has strengthened my capacity as a socially engaged photographer.’
‘I have learnt that sometimes the stillest, most local gesture cuts through where the loudest campaign cannot.’
The Salt: Bearing Witness exhibition explores the long-term mental health impacts of DV on women and children.
16 Days of Activism
Harris has intentionally scheduled her work to be shown at the Roxy Gallery Kyogle during the UN 16 Days of Activism (November 25 to December 10).
‘I want everyone who sees this work to feel empowered to speak up for those who have lost their voice’ she said. ‘I want everyone to walk away knowing that once the violence stops, the healing journey still has a long way to go, most likely a lifetime.’
‘I want everyone to know that domestic violence is everyone’s responsibility.’
‘Dear Survivor’ is a letter writing campaign designed to show love, kindness, and support, demonstrating to the 1 in 3 women who experience violence in their lifetimes that they are not alone.
Why is it important?
Harris said the work was important because she knows the journey of recovery personally. ‘I know how impossible it feels and how vast the distance between where you are now and where you need to be.’
‘It’s important because storytelling has the power to diminish that distance while helping to carry you across the terrain. Violence against women and children is a national emergency that demands more attention.’
Submissions are anonymous
Harris, who runs 6 Acre Studios near Kyogle, will personally read every submission, and a selection will become part of the exhibition at the Roxy Gallery and displayed in the IGA windows in the main street of Kyogle.
Harris says it’s important understand that every submission is anonymous.
‘Names will not be displayed and I ask that no submissions contain any names or details of events.’
People can submit their letters in three ways – Oonline, at 6acrestudios.com/dear-survivor; sending a text to 0458 521 120, or; by dropping a note in the physical red boxes at Kyogle Together, Kyogle Library or the Roxy Gallery.
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