In Lauren Matthews PhD exhibition she embraces the rich history and tenacity of textiles through the creation of samplers, patchwork quilts and banners, that form a heartbreaking but empowering body of work. 'Survival Memories' provides a window into Matthews’ childhood experiences as an incest victim-survivor and examines how textiles can be a vehicle for remembering, memorialising and agitating.

Matthews' fascination with memory, combined with the softness of textiles, sees her reconnect with the little girl she only knows from photographs, creating a powerful memorial that honours her survival.

By confronting the taboo and naming incest, Matthews' work possesses a feminist ferocity that leaves the viewer with the desire to mourn the child she was, whilst simultaneously demanding a world that protects children from one of the most dangerous places on earth - the family home.

Lauren Matthews is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend and RTP Fee-Offset Scholarship through Federation University Australia.

IN CONVERSATION: LAUREN MATTHEWS w VAN BADHAM

SAT 16 AUG @ 2 - 4 PM

FREE but bookings essential: EVENTBRITE

Join us for this significant event to hear artist and PhD candidate, Lauren Matthews discuss her exhibition and research with Van Badham, Australian writer, activist, playwright, novelist and columnist for Guardian Australia.

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CONTENT WARNING:

Given the nature of  Lauren Matthew’s personal experiences as an incest victim-survivor, there are discussions and representations of child abuse, trauma and incest relating to works of art in this exhibition and the development of this research. Please know that Lauren is safe and supported. If you require support, we encourage you to contact Lifeline (13 11 14), the National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service (1800 RESPECT) or the Blue Knot Foundation (1300 657 380.

This exhibition was opened on Friday 25 July @6, for 6.30pm, with a Welco0me to Country by Aunty Joy Oldaker and Jenna Oldaker, Wadawarrung Traditional Owners, followed by speaker, Assoc. Prof Donna Lyon, PhD, Film Producer and lecturer, Film and TV, Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne, and Founder and CEO of Left Wright Hook..

GALLERY OPEN:  Thu - Sat 12.30 to 5.00pm   Tue/Wed by appointment