Collaborations: Drawing Talking Talking Drawing

In 2019 Derek and Jané met at L’arche, a global organisation of people with and without learning disabilities working towards a world where all belong. The two used drawing and creating to communicate and during lockdowns they were meeting online weekly to share their creations as well as sending pictures and inspiration in the mail.

In 2021 Jané joined Hart Clubs core team and introduced the gallery to the wonderful work of Derek. We welcomed him as one of the first students of Hart School and he has been making work here every week since.

Both artists have continued to work together and this Spring Jané and Derek have produced their exhibition Drawing Talking Talking Drawing at the Avalon Cafe, Bermondsey. The exhibition showcases their shared experiences and collaborative creative practice.

Central to this exhibition is the idea of total communication which insists that communication is multidimensional and is different depending on the particular need and abilities of the person. Through movement, visual aids and gestures total communication allows for more open and expansive means of expression.

Using art and creativity, Derek and Jané have found a means of communication that fits their relationship defying ableist and narrow minded abled bodied society and its assumptions surrounding communication and sound.