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Contemporary western countries are arguably more inclusive than ever. In many societies, however, powerful words and terms, based on race, sexuality and disability, continue to denigrate groups considered to differ from established norms. These are words that have an inherently negative association for sectors of the community who are regularly discriminated against, oppressed, and segregated. While these words and phrases are often unspoken, the misunderstanding and fear they represent manifests in seemingly innocuous, frequently asked questions, such as, “Where are you from?”, “Is it just a phase?” and “Will you ever get better?” This exhibition consists of two complementary series of portraits that bring together universal paradigms of offensive language and the individuals who have to deal with ignorance and insult as an inherent part of their lives. ‘No offense, but…” attempts to address the way words mark individuals as outsiders, create a space for the discussion of these issues, and questions not only how far we have come as a contemporary ‘inclusive’ society but also how much further there is to go.
Daniel Savage
‘No offense, but…’ 1-16 (of 18), 2014
Inkjet prints, 50 x 70cm
‘Daniel – Quadraplegic / Will you ever get better?’
‘Bec – Lesbian / Who is the man in the relationship’
‘Cam – Transgender / You were born a girl right?’
‘Aoife – Mental illness / Can’t you just take a pill?’
‘Andy – Mixed race / Halfies are always hot'
‘Warren and Lee-Anne - Aboriginal / How aboriginal are you?’
‘Jess – Acquired brain injury / Let me do that for you?’
‘Troy – Gay / When did you admit you were gay?’
Install images of exhibition at BCS gallery 26th august 2014 featuring artists.
Contemporary western countries are arguably more inclusive than ever. In many societies, however, powerful words and terms, based on race, sexuality and disability, continue to denigrate groups considered to differ from established norms. These are words that have an inherently negative association for sectors of the community who are regularly discriminated against, oppressed, and segregated. While these words and phrases are often unspoken, the misunderstanding and fear they represent manifests in seemingly innocuous, frequently asked questions, such as, “Where are you from?”, “Is it just a phase?” and “Will you ever get better?” This exhibition consists of two complementary series of portraits that bring together universal paradigms of offensive language and the individuals who have to deal with ignorance and insult as an inherent part of their lives. ‘No offense, but…” attempts to address the way words mark individuals as outsiders, create a space for the discussion of these issues, and questions not only how far we have come as a contemporary ‘inclusive’ society but also how much further there is to go.
Daniel Savage
‘No offense, but…’ 1-16 (of 18), 2014
Inkjet prints, 50 x 70cm
‘Daniel – Quadraplegic / Will you ever get better?’
‘Bec – Lesbian / Who is the man in the relationship’
‘Cam – Transgender / You were born a girl right?’
‘Aoife – Mental illness / Can’t you just take a pill?’
‘Andy – Mixed race / Halfies are always hot'
‘Warren and Lee-Anne - Aboriginal / How aboriginal are you?’
‘Jess – Acquired brain injury / Let me do that for you?’
‘Troy – Gay / When did you admit you were gay?’
Install images of exhibition at BCS gallery 26th august 2014 featuring artists.