Tackling Public Health, Self-Image, & Girl Power in One Art Project

Olivia by Deborah Kelly

Australian artist Deborah Kelly frequently explores issues of race, gender, and religion. Most recently, she was one of 30 artists commissioned by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to spotlight the topic of vaccinations around the globe for The Art of Saving a Life. She collaborated with 12-year-old girls, newly of age to receive the HPV vaccine that prevents cervical cancer. “It seems to me that the HPV vaccine treasures young females and their futures, so I wanted the works to reflect a little light from the girls’ hearts and hopefulness,” says Kelly. The result sends an empowering message about public health and self-esteem for young women.

The artist asked each girl to talk with her about the issues that were meaningful in their lives.  The girls talked about the importance of feeling loved, connection, and joy. They also went deeper and discussed the difficulty of dealing with life in the spotlight on social media. “Olivia talked about the scrutiny girls are under—everything they say is watched, their bodies are watched, their behavior is under constant social surveillance,” Kelly told Mashable in a recent interview. The new reality for young girls means their self images are being developed at a vulnerable time when they are constantly being judged.

Kelly turned those talks into three collage portraits. The girls were surrounded by images that reflected their beliefs, hopes, and fears. Olivia had a necklace of eyes, Lucy a crown of dancers and lizards below, and Emma a colorful halo. The work expressed the power of controlling one’s health, destiny,image, and voice. Ultimately, the girls discussed their desire to achieve power and equality. “Olivia talked about how important it is for girls to claim their rightful place in full equality to men and boys, and to be truly appreciated for their power and intelligence,” says Kelly.

 Lucy by Deborah Kelly

Kelly’s artwork also tackles the anti-vaccine movement, which she believes is endangering lives. “I am devoted to the idea of public health, which is under dire threat in Australia,” says Kelly. “Not only is our government retreating from universal access to health care, but pernicious anti-vaccination propaganda has gained traction among a surprising array of people. Including people in my own family.”

Emma by Deborah Kelly

Of the project, Kelly states, “I hope the work that I have made in collaboration with Lucy, Olivia, and Emma can be a part of the great political and cultural struggles for the healthy, educated, powerful lives of girls and women.”