In the Pit

In the Pit
8 x 10 inches
Oil on canvas board
July 2013
SOLD

Description:
In the Pit was inspired by a group of Deaf people who attended rallies in Los Angeles from July 18–20, 2013, during the Listening and Spoken Language Conference 2013 hosted by Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

This painting explores the systems and ideologies within what I call the “Bermuda Triangle of Oralism,” represented by organizations and institutions such as John Tracy Clinic, House Research Institute, and Advanced Bionics.

The painting reflects the struggle against the belief that Deaf children should abandon ASL and conform only to spoken language. The “blue tape” symbolizes the restriction of signing—the tying down of Deaf hands and the suppression of Deaf expression and language.

In this visual metaphor, ASL and Deaf hands are cut off and thrown into the pit, representing the loss of language, culture, and identity when signing is denied. The pressure to “hear” or behave like hearing children ignores the visual strength and natural way Deaf people experience the world.

This painting represents the impact of audism and the ongoing fight for Deaf rights, language, and identity. This is why we must STAND.