Lived experience captured on canvas

A NEW exhibition at Deakin Waterfront, ‘Our Stories for Change,’ presents the artistic expressions of 19 women who have navigated the challenges of family and sexual violence, showcasing their powerful narratives as originally created in a transformative workshop at The Ko in Newtown.

This collection of deeply personal art, which includes works from a second workshop conducted by Wathaurong, embodies a range of experiences from harrowing struggles to emergent hope.

The initiative offers a platform for these women to share their stories, blending pain with resilience.

In this evocative space, each piece tells a story.

Celina Bagley, for instance, found solace and expression in her first-ever encounter with a paintbrush, leading her to confront and depict her past marked by coercive control and violence.

“I didn’t notice at first, but my family noticed he was trying to keep me away from them,” Ms Bagley said.

This separation extended for years, cutting off contact with her mother.

A piece of advice from her late father, who passed when she was nine, became a turning point.

“Before my dad passed away, he said, ‘don’t ever let a man mistreat you’,” she shared.

Two years ago, Ms Bagley joined Meli’s ROAR program, a 12-week support group for women survivors of family violence.

Co-designed and reviewed by survivors, ROAR focuses on empowerment, equality, and safety in a supportive environment.

“It opened my eyes. I realised that things that I had come to think of as normal, were abuse,” Ms Bagley said.

“Roar changed my life for the better.”

The program inspired Ms Bagley to pursue a Diploma in Community Services.

“I have goals and dreams now,” she said. “My goal is to help women who don’t have a voice to speak up.” She now also serves as a Lived Experience Facilitator for ROAR.

The “Our Stories for Change” exhibition showcases diverse narratives, from struggles in darkness to hopeful visions of the future.

Ms Bagley’s piece, ‘Open Door’, symbolises freedom and showcases her path to reclaiming herself.

Ms Bagley urges anyone facing family violence to seek support. “You are not alone,” she reassures.

The Our Stories of Change exhibition will be re-open in the new year on 10 January and run until 22 January at The Project Space, Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Sally Walker Building, level one, from 10 am-2 pm on weekdays.

The exhibition is supported by the Anthony Costa Foundation, Aim For Change, and Rotary.

For assistance, contact the Barwon Orange Door 1800 312 820 or Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre 1800 015 188. In emergencies, call 000.