Meet the Artist
Jay Downey is a Housing Choices WA tenant in our Independent Living Program for people experiencing severe and persistent mental health challenges. Art has been part of Jay's life since he was young and his passion has grown over the years, currently visiting disability art association DADAA four times a week.
Jay has struggled with his mental health in the past and sites his relationship with art being incredibly beneficial for his wellbeing. "My art helps calm me down mentally and engages the fullness of my mind while doing it. I really think that art is a big part of keeping me well and keeping me out of hospital", said Jay.
In 2022 Jay's artwork won the People's Choice Award at our Tenant Art Showcase and his work has also featured as a shop front installation in Perth.
About the Artwork
Picasso's Faces #2
Jay's artwork is inspired by Picasso's cubist style and invites us to discover hidden faces within faces, which Jay sees as a reflection of both our public image and our true selves. All of the portraits are interconnected but each one is also unique. This represents how diverse we all are while celebrating our shared human connection. Experimenting with art mediums is common for Jay and this work incorporates acrylic markers, spray paint, stencils, and airbrushing. Jay displayed this piece at our 2023 Tenant Art Showcase and the organisation purchased the original and the license as a celebration of diversity and inclusion.
2
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator