https://events.humanitix.com/auslan-tour-archibald-prize?hxchl=hex-pfl

1880 – Manifesto of Silences – Warehouse Residency – Arts House, North Melbourne

March 27th – 29th 2025

  A decision that shaped generations to come

In 1880, one decision echoed through time, suppressing Deaf language, culture and identity shaping generations to come.

1800: Manifesto of Silences weaves together sign language operatic performance, projection art, movements, sound vibrations and experimental techniques to revisit the pivotal decision to ban use the of sign language in deaf education.

ARTIST STATEMENT – Irene Holub

1880 marks a new chapter in my artistic journey, where I aim to create inclusive and diverse performances that engage audiences and deepen cultural understanding. As a Deaf artist, I am dedicated to the transformative power of expression, using poetry as a bridge to evoke empathy and connect audiences with unseen languages and experiences. Poetry, a recurring theme in my work, is woven into projection art or other art forms eg Lookinginout, Blue, Chaos I/II, and Heart, blending with sound, movement, and video to convey the depth of Deaf culture. With 1880, I seek to illuminate a crucial part of Deaf history, shedding light on how political decisions suppressed our language and culture. Commissioned by Arts House through The Warehouse Residency and supported by Creative Australia, this project is an opportunity to honor Deaf resilience and build pathways for future Deaf creatives.

ARTISTIC CREDITS

Director: Irene Holub

Dramaturg and Lead Performer: Walter Kadiki

Producer: Veronica Pardo

Digital Designer: Rhian Hinkley

Choreographer/Dancer : Jo Dunbar

Performers: Luke King, Ramas McRae

Production Coordinator – Dan Goronzszy

Sound Designer – Sharyn Brand

Light Designer – Brownwyn Pringle

2024 

‘Places of Belonging’ by Irene Holub is a series of 3 short films that explores the universal journey for identity and connections. Navigating the landscapes of inner selves, yearning against the backdrop of a constantly changing world, seeking places outside themselves that encapsulate the authenticity of their own existence in time and space.

Directed by Irene Holub, filmed by Ramas McRae and performed by Elvin Lam, Joanna Agius and Gabi Kaye. Music by Gregor Kompar.

Film locations include Dja Dja Wurrung, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Bunurong, Taungurung and Nharangga Country.

This project was produced with support from Creative Victoria and Australian Deaf Arts Community.

They will be shown at two venues – Radius Gallery – BLUE and Counihan Gallery – Winter Screen – PLACES OF BELONGING – Both will be running on a loop.

More information will be provided via social media closer to the date.