Originally from Tasmania, Jody Haines is of Trawlwoolway heritage and a descendant of Woretermoeteyenner, a daughter of Mannalargenna. She is a photo media artist (stills, projection, video) her focus is on the female Gaze, attempting to counteract the status quo of the visual representation of women.
“I’m an Artist, Photographer and Curator, or as my email signature says a ‘Do’er of things’. My current work is primarily portrait based and explores the Female Gaze, Identity and the ways in which visual language can be applied to deconstruct/breakdown ideas of gender and the representation of women.”
Her connection to the west began recently when she moved here from Brisbane in 2015 (during the arctic vortex) to study a Masters – Art in Public Space at RMIT. Jody, her partner Tony, and dog Bailey MacScruffy landed in Footscray, rented a joint and have been in the area since.
“I fell in love with the place – the food, the people, the river – which is a magical beast all to its own – and the proximity to the city. We’ve bought a place now, so we’ll be here for the long run.”
Jody’s ongoing show is #IAMWOMAN which began at Women Of the World Festival Footscray Community Arts Centre 2017, and then has had another local session during One Night in Footscray, amongst others. The sessions begin as a pop-up portrait studio where she asks women to join her in a 30-45min sitting and conversation. Here they explore being a woman and identify a word that resonates for each sitter, then after this, make the portrait.
#IAMWOMAN will happen again on March 8th for International Womens Day at Braybrook Community Centre. These sessions have been supported by Maribyrnong City Council and their amazing Arts Officers.
“Additionally, I’m currently working with Wyndham City Council on a residency at Saltwater community centre where I’m creating video portraits with women in the area.”
Jody’s favourite hangouts are: Seddon Deadly Sins for coffee, Dancing Dog, Bar Josephine, The Rev and the river!
Jody’s work can also be found online www.jodyhainesphotography.com or on Instagram @Heidi_Hole. @Iamwoman_portrait
