‘I Am Somebody’: Hobart exhibition showcases artwork made by homeless Tasmanians

Joanne Robinson has been homeless off and on since the age of 13. Now aged in her sixties, she’s part of a project showing there’s more to homeless Tasmanians than their housing status.

Joanne Robinson who has experienced homelessness with her work that is part of the exhibition. I Am Someone exhibition in Hobart as part of Homelessness Week 2023. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Off and on from the age of 13, Joanne Robinson has been without a home.

“When I turned 13 and no one looked for me, it wasn’t a big deal … I was searching for something and I didn’t know what,” Ms Robinson said.

“I hooked, I was a prostitute for many years, I worked straight jobs as well around Australia.

“I didn’t realise my choices had a butterfly effect for people who loved me...every choice I made which put me in a hole had a butterfly effect.”

Now aged in her sixties, Ms Robinson has been working on a project to help others who have struggled with homelessness.

The City of Hobart has run the ‘I Am Somebody’ project for the last few years, interviewing homeless Tasmanians and sharing their stories.

“The first thing we did, they came and saw us at our houses, asked us questions, took photos, you told your life story,” Ms Robinson said.

“All of those were tragic, they weren’t better or worse than each other, they’re just different, but it was all tragedy, it was all how hard it is to be homeless.”

This year, at Ms Robinson’s suggestion, the project has been accompanied by an art exhibition, showcasing the work of Tasmanians who have been homeless.

“We needed to show people even though you’re homeless, you are constructive … you can be creative, you can show a side of yourself that isn’t living in tragedy,” Ms Robinson said.

Artist Malachi who has experienced homelessness in the past year with her work that is part of the exhibition. I Am Someone exhibition in Hobart as part of Homelessness Week 2023. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“There are lot of people who are homeless are very good with paining and writing.”

“it’s time to do something different, something that shows homeless people are not all tarred with the same brush.”

Story collector Helen Thomas, who worked behind the scenes, said she’d spoken to several people who were happy to share their story.

“We sat in this room, [a participant] started telling me his life story, he was obviously ready to share,” Ms Thomas said.

Story collector for the project Helene Thomas. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Tears were streaming down his face when he was talking about his mum and his addiction and how he’s turned his life around.

“If someone’s ready to tell their story it can be a really cathartic and empowering experience.

“For some people it’s a lot harder to step into that space, it’s hard putting yourself out there.”

The exhibition, on display at Hobart’s Waterside Pavilion until August 14, includes a range of visual mediums, as well as poetry.

“The workshops were run at nightspace during the day,” Ms Thomas said.

“They basically put all the materials out, people could come in and choose their medium and spend a few hours painting or drawing.”

City of Hobart housing and homelessness chair Mike Dutta said the exhibition gave voice to those who weren’t usually heard.

“This year’s stories are once again diverse and very personal insights into the complexity of homelessness and how it can impact any of us at any point in our lives, no matter where we come from,” Mr Dutta said.