Artwork & Imagery | Disability Innovation Institute

15% of the global population has some type of disability, but representation is not equal.

Despite the surge in online imagery libraries there is still a lack of representation, so for our website, we decided to do things a little differently.

Studio A is a supported studio based in Sydney Australia that tackles the barriers that artists living with intellectual disability face in accessing conventional education, professional development pathways and opportunities needed to be successful and renowned visual artists. The enterprise paves professional pathways for such artists so that they can achieve their artistic and economic aspirations.

In 2019 the Disability Innovation Institute worked with Studio A to select and license images by Studio A artists for use on our website and other materials. In this way the Institute supports Studio A and its artists, and helps more generally to promote the work of artists with disability.

Read more about the artists below or find out more about Studio A

Emily Crockford

'Bold', 'assured' and 'sensual' are all words that describe the work of Emily Crockford. No matter what she turns her eye to – whether it be the natural environment, Australiana or people within her orbit – she transforms it all into a lyrical universe of bold colour and intricate pattern. Bright hues sit alongside areas of fine detail; passionate energy exists simultaneously with areas of contemplation.

Emily has a long exhibition history and has been awarded a number of major public art commissions and was a finalist in the 2020 Archibald Prize.

Find out more about Emily

Katrina Brennan

The newest member of Studio A travels across the state to pursue her art. Katrina catches the bus weekly all the way from Orange. When she walks in the door, Katrina's enthusiasm matches the electricity of her graphic artwork. Colourful patterns created largely with texta flow from Katrina's fingers. Her patterns pulse and swirl, vibrating with life force.

For Katrina her art fuels her pulse, she says "Art is in my blood". Her favourite artist is English Op art painter Bridget Riley. Katrina's ambition is to experiment with optical illusions herself. She aims to make her patterns appear three dimensional.

Find out more about Katrina

Damian Showyin

Looking at Damian Showyin's abstracts is like experiencing a new language, font, or script. His marks and patterns dance across the surface like text that intends to convey meaning.

There is an easy confidence in Damian's mark making and his scribbles are rich with a humorous personality. While these patterns resist clear communication, they speak intelligibly through code and reference; they express themselves through their energy.

Find out more about Damian