Free Courage: Janet Wallace
- ArtBomb
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
Live Performance & Residency
13—26 May 2024
When the ArtBomb and the Unitarian Church approached me about a collaboration focused on women's mental health and voices, it was an immediate “yes!" As a woman of colour — who is also neurodivergent — and from a working-class background, I understand the struggles women face on so many levels. This was a profound opportunity to use my art to serve my community and spark crucial conversations.
For this mini-residency, I created a spin machine named Florence, designed to bring a more meditative approach to my process. It allows me to release control and pour pure energy onto the canvas. During the residency, I had the privilege of listening to incredible poetry as women came together to share their stories. I wove some of their powerful words directly into my immersive performance, blending art, poetry, and sound to create a truly unique experience.
To elevate the atmosphere, I collaborated with the sound artist Jackhno. We created a soundscape where they transformed my voice reading poetry into incredible synth-techno music. In my studio, I always let music guide my mark-making, and this collaboration took that process to a whole new level.
This was my first experience with live performance and residency on this scale, and it was deeply moving. It was a privilege to connect with people who dropped in and shared their stories. One woman shared how her grandson, who has ADHD, struggles to see a future for himself. I was so touched to be able to offer him a message of hope through my work. Other observers saw swirling synapses and galactic energy spirals in the artwork. It was a beautiful reminder that art connects us, bringing peace and a sense of shared community.
