Deaf Beaten

Size: 11 × 14 inches
Medium: Oil on stretched canvas
Status: SOLD

Description:
Deaf Beaten addresses the violence and injustice that Deaf people may experience during encounters with police officers and other authorities. The painting depicts a Deaf person lying on the ground while being beaten by three police officers. His eyes are bruised, and his hands are tied behind his back. Unable to hear the officers’ commands, he raises a desperate plea for help through the sign “HELP!”

The painting highlights the tragic consequences that can occur when Deaf people are expected to respond to spoken commands they cannot hear. What may be perceived as disobedience or noncompliance can instead be the result of a communication barrier. The work confronts the fear, vulnerability, and injustice that Deaf people may face when communication fails and their Deafness is misunderstood.

Through this painting, I call attention to the urgent need for greater awareness of Deaf people, American Sign Language, and effective communication during interactions with law enforcement. Deaf Beaten is a statement about human rights, justice, and the right of Deaf people to be treated with dignity and respect.