Research Creation Showcase 2021

Keynote

Arts and the Psychosocial Dynamics of Empathy - Finding A Creative Path to Social Change by Dr Debra Keenahan

The keynote is supported by Auslan interpretation and Closed Captioning services.

The psychologist Alfred Adler described empathy as “seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another”. Increasing empathy for disability can decrease discriminatory practices and improve the social  conditions of those living with disability. But the question remains - how to increase empathy for disability? Through my art research I developed the concept of Critical Disability Aesthetics (CDA) that extends upon the current conceptualisation of Disability
Aesthetics (DA). I argue that DA adheres to a restrictive definition of the term aesthetics as anchored in the judgement of beauty, whilst CDA explores the broader sense of aesthetics as a sensory-affective process. This framework provides a conceptual grounding for a practice-based exploration of the embodied dimensions of lived experience. As an artist, psychologist, and a woman with disability - achondroplasia dwarfism - I explore the experience of corporeal difference from a subjective position. My work examines the framing of disability but also the embodied social interactions of a female dwarf. In my art practice I deploy different media (2D, 3D, VR, Performance, Video) to elaborate various dimensions of this experience. Through my artwork I show how CDA can advance the understanding of the subjective and intersubjective experience of ‘disability’, which is not a quality of the subject but rather, arises within a social nexus.

Dr Debra Keenahan (opens in a new window) is a visual artist, psychologist, academic and author. Throughout her professional life Debra’s work has focussed upon the personal and social impacts of disability. Her first PhD in the discipline of Psychology addressed the social issue of dehumanization. Having achondroplasia dwarfism, she brings a personal insight to understanding the dynamics of interpersonal interactions and social structures that include/exclude the visibly different from equitable social relations. In every way, Debra’s work reflects the philosophy that the personal is the political. She has a deep passion for the recognition of and respectful treatment of all people and as such, her work has addressed significantly diverse subjects such as sexuality, limitations of the physical environment on disability, condescension, abuse in the streets and resilience. In her art practice Debra uses multi-art forms - 2D, 3D, Virtual Reality, Performance and Video to represent Critical Disability Aesthetics. Through her teaching experience Debra has learnt the power of the Arts in communicating with and engaging people on highly political and difficult issues, encouraging empathy for the socially excluded. Debra has completed her second PhD at UNSW in the discipline of Visual Arts on Critical Disability Aesthetics. As an artist Debra has exhibited since 2008 in both group and solo exhibitions and she has been the sole and co-author of a book, book chapters, articles and conference papers. Currently, Debra lectures at Western Sydney University in Humanitarian and Development Studies. Debra has also been invited to speak on Disability Access in the Arts with the National Gallery of Australia, National Association of Visual Artists and NIDA.