Survival Memories: Lauren Matthews in Conversation with Van Badham
Date: Saturday 16 August
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Location: Post Office Gallery
Join us for an insightful conversation between PhD Candidate, artist, researcher and incest victim-survivor Lauren Matthews and the acclaimed theatre-maker, activist and columnist, Van Badham. Explore the depths of Lauren's PhD exhibition, Survival Memories, as these two friends and artists delve into the complexities of making art to agitate and influence, and why now is the time to challenge taboos and have hard conversations. This in-person event promises to be thought-provoking and challenging. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to engage in this timely conversation. Special musical guest Simone Spittle will also be performing. Reserve your spot today!
We encourage you to visit Lauren's exhibition in the Post Office Gallery. The event will be held in the adjoining Black Box Theatre.
"In Survival Memories, at the Federation University Post Office Gallery from SAT 26 JUL - SAT 16 AUG 2025, Lauren Matthews embraces the rich history and tenacity of textiles to creating samplers, patchwork quilts and banners, that form a heartbreaking but empowering body of work. Survival Memories provides a window into Lauren’s childhood experiences as an incest victim-survivor and examines how textiles can be a vehicle for remembering, memorialising and agitating. Lauren Matthews is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend and RTP Fee-Offset Scholarship through Federation University Australia."
CONTENT WARNING:Given the nature of Lauren's personal experiences as an incest victim-survivor, there are discussions and representations of child abuse, trauma and incest relating to both in the artwork in this exhibition and development of this research. Please know that Lauren is safe and supported. If you require support, we encourage you to contact Lifeline (13 11 14), the National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service (1800 RESPECT) or the Blue Knot Foundation (1300 657 380).
