Exhibits,
Ruth O'Leary' A woman’s right to make poor choices
Opening: Wednesday June 5th, 6-8pm Dates: June 5th -29th
A youtube video of a mother’s voice whispering “shhhhhh” for 8 hours has 27 million views. How many parents have pressed play on this soothing audio to stand in for the village that isn’t there? And how many women have gone through secret abortions in public places? Is it possible to have bodily autonomy whilst breastfeeding? Is the milk, the blood and the tears the artwork or the distraction?
Ruth O’Leary’s new video work explores her experience of abortion in the Spring of 2023. Through the making of ‘Abortion Dresses’ she aims to wear the words of an often shamed and hidden experience. This concept of ‘body writing’ is something Ruth has researched throughout her practice in the creation of ‘Fuck Dresses’ that come to life as a kind of performative wearing of words.
Ruth O’Leary (based Dja Dja Wurrung country) holds a BFA from RMIT University and First Class Honours from Monash University. Her practice interlaces feminist, subjective and maternal ideas played out through the expanded field of painting and performance. She has exhibited in solo exhibitions and participated widely in group shows across Australia. Ruth has completed residencies in Australia, Germany and Finland. As a mother to three young children her experience of maternity informs all her work. She has taught as a casual lecturer in the drawing BFA Undergrad at RMIT since 2018.
