This mixed media work uses a school dress from an op shop. An embroidered napkin is sewn onto the front with the words ‘but they mean well’ in red thread. The embroidery looks childlike. On the back of this dress there are cut out holes to represent gaps Deaf people have in their education because of late accessible language input, leaving them with language deprivation and missing skills and learning opportunities. The holes are covered with bandages to make the language and cognitive injury visible. ‘But they mean well’ is often a response from hearing leadership to Deaf advocacy, it dismisses the impact of audism by saying their intent was pure. This work demands more attention is given to impact instead of intention.
Photo: Kit Edwards
