Allora artist Leah Kelly’s latest exhibit on domestic violence shines light on serious issues

A Southern Downs artist, whose work deals with strength and surviving trauma, has unveiled her brand new exhibition and artwork that seeks to disrupt the conversation on domestic violence.

Across Australia, domestic violence and the trauma associated with it is a dark topic rarely spoken about.

But for Allora artist Leah Kelly, it’s a source of cathartic art, and a helpful method of opening the conversation and ending stigmas.

The mother-of-four has unveiled her debut gallery exhibition, titled Repair is Not Always Neat and Tidy and hopes to open the conversation and spread awareness around the dark stain on society that’s rarely talked about.

Repair is Not Always Neat and Tidy is the culmination of two years of labour, and used ceramics and glass work to show the fragility behind trauma, as well as the strength it takes to persevere.

Leah Kelly is an artist from Allora (Photo: Samantha Bennett Photography)

The artist said domestic violence was a topic rarely spoken about, often regarded as “other people’s business”, and hoped her artwork shows vulnerable people feel like they aren’t alone in the struggle.

“It’s a bit surreal to be honest, since I’ve put the project out into the world, I’m surprised with how many people have come to me and said they’re ready to talk about the issue because I had done it,” Ms Kelly said.

“People came up to me and we’re telling me their story even though I had never asked, but they felt like they could in the exhibition.”

Sadly the project has opened old wounds for the Allora artist, however, Ms Kelly said she hoped now she has expressed her feelings and experiences through art, she can finally close the door on that dark chapter.

“The purpose of the exhibition for me was wanting to change the conversation from women who had lost their lives to their partners or ex-partners, to show how many survivors there were and give those who are still in those horrible situations some hope and belief it’s possible for them as well,” she said.

Allora artist Leah Kelly hopes her art will open the conversation behind one of societies darkest shame (Photo: Leah Kelly)

“There’s senses of relief and guilt and all other emotions you don’t quite expect (when leaving a relationship), which I hope inspires conversations.
“I hope my work has opened the conversation, don’t keep quiet, don’t think ‘it’s none of my business,’ you can call the police and say you’re concerned about a neighbour, just speak up.”

Alongside the exhibition, Leah has also created 50 necklaces, in which 50 per cent of proceeds will be donated to Protea Place Warwick, an upcoming women’s domestic violence crisis center. 

Allora artist Leah Kelly hopes her art will open the conversation behind one of societies darkest shame (Photo: Leah Kelly)

“It was a no-brainer. There is simply nothing like this in Warwick, people would need to go to Toowoomba or Brisbane for that kind of support which they likely wouldn’t do,” she said.

“Protea Place is a crucial, women who were in those situations had no resources here.”

Leah’s exhibit runs at Warwick Art Gallery until February 25 in the main gallery.

Read more about Protea Place here.