An image-and-poetry response to the Cunningham Dax collection of mental health art in Melbourne, 2006-2008.

 

Prophet on Flinders 1, 72 x 72 cm, 2009.
Mixed media on board.

 

Walk on the dark side, sister
don’t be scared
prophets have walked the earth
for thousands of years
they’re among us right now
and one’ll appear to see you thru
besides, there’s always
the train station for the night…

 

 

 

The Brink, 2009, mixed media on board, 72 x 72 cm.

 

The wild from behind your eyes
darts to shuttered depths of the room
as you smooth a crease from your shirt
with convent enunciated strokes.
Your green streaked hair is wind-blown
on this rare visit…