Brenda Hart: The Comforter

28th August - 5th September 2012

Opens Tuesday 28th August 5.30pm

Opening talk Tuesday 28th August 6.00pm

Brenda Hart The Comforter 2012 Forged used beer bottle caps, hand formed steel jump rings 1015 x 1064mm

Photograph – John McCallum

Brenda’s work carries with it messages derived from the unknown or forgotten stories of those whose lives have been adversely affected by alcohol, especially the children.

The work begins with a metaphor for the seduction of alcohol – an all enveloping comforter. At first glance the patch-work quilt suggests ready movement, gives an illusion of softness and the delusion of comfort. But the materials and the detail highlight the deception. The precisely positioned and coordinated patches have bright colours that attract, but they are the root of this deception and are cold and hard. Their recurrent pattern evokes the repetitive nature of dependence, and the apparent flexibility is an illusion achieved by the use of the stitching and inescapable rigidity of steel rings.

The ‘Comforter’ Awareness Message

The ‘Comforter’ symbolised the deceptive nature of alcohol and the implication for each generation born wrapped in its embrace.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) refers to a range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol while pregnant.

FASD is often called a ‘hidden’ disability because most people affected look normal, but have difficulties with memory, communication, understanding consequences, managing change, feelings and emotion, life skills and keeping healthy relationships. This leads to lifelong difficulties that require the support and understanding of others.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy remains relatively common among New Zealand women.

There is no known level of exposure to alcohol during pregnancy that is considered totally safe. Ministry of Health advice is to avoid alcohol if pregnant, planning pregnancy or when breastfeeding.

To learn more about FASD go to www.fan.org.nz or contact the Fetal Alcohol Network NZ coordinator on 09 520 7037.