Ashley Stewart

School of Isolated and Distance Education

Year 12

Mixed Media

120cm × 58 cm × 70cm (Duplicated)

My artwork is an exploration of the profound communication breakdown between social classes and cultures, particularly between the West and African communities. As an immigrant from Zimbabwe, I challenge the stereotype of helplessness by highlighting the resilience, joy, and spiritual wealth often overlooked by Western media. The piece features two portraits on white doors: a boy from a Zimbabwean orphanage radiating strength, juxtaposed with my brother, who symbolizes Western isolation amidst material comfort. Tangled telephone cords physically link them, representing the poverty line and broken global dialogue. Ultimately, this work uses contrasting lives to emphasize shared humanity and demand global accountability.