Three Queensland women are using art to defy the stereotype of ageing women becoming invisible in Australian society.
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Queensland College of Art postgraduate students Athene Currie, Deborah Eddy and Sonia York-Pryce are tackling their own potential invisibility with a focus on the ageing process and their personal experiences.
Ms Eddy, 65, said their combined work touched on issues, including menopause and the pressure to switch or end careers at a certain age.
"Athene's video work about menopause looks at themes that suggest family constraints, social expectations, nostalgic revelation, change of identity and reawakening," she said.
"Sonia is a ballerina herself and explores the fact that older and more experienced dancers pass their 'dance date', which is 45 to 40 years of age.
"Even if you are still a professional in the industry, you become invisible when you hit that age group because there are less roles available.
"My work is object-based using high-vis building supplies and safety equipment, predominantly considered as men's items because the trade industry is known to be male orientated."
"Of course woman play a role in the trading industry but probably not as much as we could."
Ms Eddy said despite society evolving, there was still strong stereotyping of ageing women.
"Ageing women are still expected to be in the kitchen and to switch certain job roles when they age to become mainly carers or do desk work," she said.
"Generally in the media, ageing women also are invisible.
"Everyone needs their day in the sun but it's hard to even get your artwork out there when you are an ageing women."
Ms Eddy said there was a lack of focus on the wisdom and intelligence of older women.
"Statistics suggests that people think we're a drag on the economy and problematic due to health issues," she said.
"That's nothing further from the truth."
Ms Eddy said she hoped through their artwork, she and her colleagues could show their talents as older artists.
"We want to show that we have our own voice," she said.
"Everybody has their own story that is valid and we shouldn't be stereotyped in terms of intelligence and viability in society."
The Visible exhibition will open on April 5 at 226 Grey Street at South Bank from 5.30pm to 8pm.
It will run from April 2 to April 13 from 10am to 4pm.
