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Art Competition Gallery 2020
Welcome to Palliative Care Australia’s 2020 Art Competition gallery! PCA’s art competition aims to raise awareness in the community about palliative care, end-of-life care, death and bereavement. This year’s theme “Palliative Care… It’s more than you think!” aims to challenge common misconceptions about palliative care. Artists were encouraged to think beyond the care provided at the very end of life, and instead focus on how palliative care can improve quality of life, help people participate in activities that are important to them, and create opportunities for love, laughter, creativity, and fulfilment.
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The Silver Lining
By Sue Rochford
Painting
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During my chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer stage four, I painted a progression of pastel artworks as my treatment laboured on, six works in all. My very first work was this thunderous sky. Strangely, in the middle of the painting’s darkness I felt compelled to leave a small hole of blue sky edged with a silver lining. I remember being suddenly inspired by the thought that the blue sky above the clouds is actually always there even though I couldn’t always see it. Palliative care using art therapy can be a powerful silver lining.
Care to Dance?
By Kenny Waite
Painting
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In this painting, “Care to Dance?”, the audience sees a carer tying a ribbon into a woman’s hair, whilst she looks at herself in the mirror. This act seems simple but represents so much more. It creates a space and a feeling of comfort that enables the woman to envision herself in a different light; she is able to see herself dancing freely amongst flowers. This reflects the significance of the psychological component in palliative care that helps support an individual’s quality of life and demonstrates the importance of simple kind acts.
She Sees Beauty
By Gemma Hansen
Painting
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Even when life takes from us or when life is taken from us, it can never touch our inner beauty, our memories and our reflections.
Transition
By John Derrick
Painting
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I am a nurse and 'Transition' is a painting I did of one of my patients I looked after when I was working at a nursing home many years ago. I have found it a privilege to work with patients at the end stage of their lives. I am in awe of the mystery around dying and I like to believe that it is transition from our physical bodies into another non-physical state. I do not fear death my own death, and I think it can be a time of much beauty.
Temporary State
By Monika Viktoria
Painting
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Our temporary lives won't stretch on forever, yet talking about death is often considered a taboo subject. To contemplate it openly is seen as morbid, and most people have no idea what to expect. The very thought of the inevitable brings crippling fear. If more people spoke about it and understood thanatology, the study of death and dying, perhaps we could ease some of the hushed taboo and have a deeper respect for those working in pallative care, knowing they will be there to soothe us as we face our final steps in the journey we call life.
Living The Moment
By Rushy
Drawing
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As I care for her until her last breath. She lay there enjoying the moment as I paint her nails and provide for a lifeless feeling with her head resting on a pampered feathered pillow. She takes in the smell of the picturesque flowers beside her and the soothing songs that she requested while knowing her loved ones are there. She becomes aware of all her senses as she becomes mindful and closes her eyes with a peaceful sensation. She knows that she is fulfilled. The moment is now, the feeling is now. Palliative care it's more than you think…