Reading the Signs and Endless Conversation 2024

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Reading the Signs - 'In 'Reading the Signs', vintage napkins adorned with Auslan signs in red thread redefine the cafe experience. Each napkin serves as a tool for communication, facilitating interaction and ordering over the counter.

As cafe staff learn Australian sign language, these napkins symbolise inclusivity and bridge the gap between deaf and hearing visitors. 'Reading the Signs' celebrates the significance of small gestures in making a profound difference within the deaf community. It's a testament to the transformative power of accessibility, fostering joy and connection one stitch at a time.

Endless Conversation - In 'Endless Conversation', The tablecloth, once a silent witness to the artist's cherished moments, now emerges with renewed purpose. Each Auslan sign was meticulously hand-sewn, embodying the essence of 'chatting-hours-all-day/night-over stay-overtime,' perpetually cycling upward towards 'chatting'-a rhythmic motif mirroring the ceaseless dialogue within the deaf community. In this piece, the fabric becomes a vessel for the enduring exchange of joy and pain, weaving together a narrative of endless conversation.

About the artist

Sue Jo Wright is an artist who uses photography, video, and textiles to explore her identity as a Deaf person. She began embracing sign language at age 10 and has since been inspired to create artwork that transcends boundaries and offers a unique glimpse into the Deaf world.

As a community arts advocate since 2019, Sue Jo has been guiding artists on how to make their work more accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.

Sue Jo's artistic achievements include winning the 2020 Australian Design Centre Award and being a finalist in the Fisher's Ghost Art Awards at Campbelltown Arts Centre for multiple years. In 2017, she was awarded a residency at the Bundanon Trust, a collaboration between Accessible Arts and Bundanon Trust designed to support Deaf and disabled artists.

Website: Sue Jo Wright

Image/Video credits: Sue Jo Wright, Sign of time (2018).

About the space

_you're okay _by Brand X is an art activation space in the foyer and front window of the City of Sydney Creative Studios. The space brings contemporary and experimental digital, performance and installation art directly to the busy footpath of Bathurst Street and the daily city commuters.

Showcasing local, national and the studio's in-residence talent, you're okay offers uncommon and unconventional art to take you out of your everyday.

you're okay is supported by the City of Sydney.

Foyer opening hours: Monday and Friday: 7am - 3pm.

Front window opening hours: 24 hours, 7 days/week.

The gallery has 2 spaces:

The Window: As you walk along Bathurst street, peer into the City of Sydney Creative Studios front window to view artwork ranging from video, digital, performance and installation.

The Ground Floor: Located in OK COOL cafe & bar, showcasing installation, built environments, site-responsive art and sculptures, textiles and photography.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body; and is supported by the City of Sydney.