The next exciting exhibition in the People’s Gallery – Toi ka rere called THIS, TOO, WILL PASS, is being held by the Shakti Ethnic Women’s Support Group in conjunction with The Incubator Creative Hub. The exhibition runs from 16 – 28 March. There will be an opening event to show solidarity and support on Wednesday 18 March from 5pm – 6pm.
The exhibitors are migrant women and survivors of domestic violence who express their experiences and resilience through painting.
Diana Lita has experienced domestic violence: “I paint to release the pain and hurt”. Jin Bi is a Korean oriental art painter and she expresses the beauty of oriental flowers as the same as the beauty of oriental women. Farrah Cook is only turning 14, but she wants to contribute her painting to show her feelings as a victim as well as a witness to domestic violence.
Shakti Ethnic Support Group deals with domestic violence among Asian, Indian, Fiji Indian, African and Middle Eastern women and children to empower them to live life with dignity and respect, and free from violence.
The organisation began in New Zealand when Farida Sultana and a small group of women of Asian, African and Middle Eastern descent met in 1995 to support one another and to source English language classes and driver licensing. The group grew in numbers as news about the service spread within the communities.
During conversations, it emerged that domestic violence was a major issue confronting these communities. In August 1995, the group met to discuss the establishment of a culturally specialist support service in New Zealand to serve the need for culturally sensitive assistance and support for Asian, African, and Middle Eastern women.
Awareness grew that some Asian, African and Middle Eastern women needed help in dealing with domestic and family violence. The group came across their first domestic violence case when they discovered a Middle Eastern woman who was locked in her home and had suffered severe physical and emotional abuse. She was eventually helped to flee the situation, and her case propelled the women to set up a permanent specialist support service, including the first refuge specifically for immigrant women.
www.theincubator.co.nz
Contact: Wendy Pedersen People’s Gallery coordinator mail@theincubator.co.nz | 075713232
