This artwork aims to highlight the oppression of those without power and money. With the whole person covered, we do not see the identity of the figure – we only see the outline shape. This human form represents all of us. The figure is dressed in black, creating a sombre, serious atmosphere. There’s a similarity to the Muslim burqa, the long garment that covers the whole body and head, including the face. Critics see the burqa as a symbol of oppression, reducing women’s individuality to a uniform darkness that disables their senses and curtails their ability to express their humanity. Yet at least the burqa has a mesh screen that allows the wearer to see. In The Unheard, there is no such screen. The mass of humanity has no way of seeing their present, let along ahead into the future.

The mouth and ears are also completely covered. The masses have no voice and cannot hear each other, and so uniting for common strength and common action is impossible.

The Unheard, then, are the mass population who do not have access to the political and economic power to create a just society. We are in the depths of a global crisis – poverty, climate change and oppressive regimes bear down on 99% of the population of this planet. Yet the 1% who have the power to do something instead continue to make vast profits for themselves, while the masses suffer poverty. They continue to increase their power, while eroding the rights of millions.

With The Unheard I want to draw attention to these bitter realities. I want people to be shocked into collective action against the greed of the billionaires and the global corporations that govern our daily lives and trample on our rights.