Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
Art as healing and remembrance
honouring those women who have lost their lives to gender based violence
The artists’ choice to paint the chairs is more than an artistic expression; it is a narrative woven into the very fabric of recognition and remembrance. Through colour, texture, and design, the chairs become part of the storytelling, reflecting the individuality of the women they honour and the experiences of those who participate in the painting.
Each artist’s approach personalises each chair. This transforms the chairs from mere symbols of loss into celebrations of life and identity. It allows viewers to feel the weight of each individual’s story, and honours not only those lost but also raises awareness of the ongoing impact of gender-based violence.
By giving each chair its own unique visual narrative, the artists amplifies the importance of remembering these women as individuals whose lives were cut short by acts of violence, whilst using the medium to express their own feelings, and to move towards healing.
With thanks to each of our artists without whom this installation would not be possible. Thank you for sharing your creativity and for your contribution.
All chairs produced for the Empty Chairs at Empty Tables art installation will be available to purchase via an online Auction commencing 30th November. Proceeds from the Auction will go to supporting Pop In. Further information will be published via our social media and website.
Each chair is a journey
With thanks to the over 50 artists, community leaders, schools students, victim-survivors, staff and volunteers from Pop In who joined together to create this art installation. The following chairs are still available - please email office@popin.org.au if you are interested in purchasing one for $50 each.
Chair No 3 - Jackelyn
This chair is both a canvas and a metaphor, telling a story of domestic violence as a natural disaster. The imagery begins with a bushfire's relentless blaze, a storm's chaotic fury, and the haunting aftermath of silence. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, signs of recovery emerge. The sun peeks through the clouds onto tender new shoots pushing through scorched earth—symbols of resilience and renewal. Lace features prominently, representing fragility and history. It carries the weight of inherited stories, delicate yet enduring. Roses, in soft hues rather than bold red, are woven into the piece, speaking of friendship, innocence, and the promise of new life. These choices reflect the complexity of healing—it's rarely linear, often layered with memories and growth. The chair invites viewers to engage with its story, finding their own interpretations. This artwork stands as a testament to hope, resilience, and the intricate beauty of life after disaster. - Jackelyn
Chair No 4 - Alina
MY STORY…MY VOICE
From long goodbyes and mixed tapes to silence and mixed messages, abusive relationships can begin subtly, like bindweed. What seems harmless or even beautiful at first gradually tightens its grip, isolating and suffocating until you are trapped in fear and dependence. Breaking free is like painstakingly removing bindweed. Each vine untangled represents acts of courage: setting boundaries, reclaiming independence, and rediscovering self-worth. As women escape, they transform into morning glories—flowers that bloom at dawn, symbolising hope, resilience, and new beginnings. The journey culminates in the dragonfly - a symbol of freedom and transformation. Its crinkled wings tell a story of overcoming hardship and rising above, lighter and stronger. This evolution, from the bindweed’s dark grip to the morning glory’s bloom and the dragonfly’s flight, is a testament to those reclaiming their lives and thriving. It also serves as a powerful call to end gender-based violence, to prevent the devastating loss of loved ones to this tragic reality. This chair is a space where a woman can sit and feel safe, a place to breathe, reflect, and open up. It is a sanctuary reminding her she is not alone, she is not at fault, and her voice matters. Take a seat… You’re safe here with me. You aren’t at fault… and silence is no longer your default. - Alina
Chair No 6 - Lorraine
Chair No 7 - Elizabeth
This image represents an aboriginal woman missing from the campfire on country with her “sisters”. They are seated with their digging sticks and coolamons (bark baskets) for collecting bush tucker for their families. Sadly, aboriginal women make up a higher proportion of women murdered in situations of Domestic Violence. This is usually fuelled by excess alcohol consumption caused by cultural and physical dislocation. In my work (Family and Community Services) in Broken Hill and it’s environs like Wilcannia and Menindee, and after in Redfern and Erskinville I visited homes where domestic violence was rife. My later work in the Child Protection and Family Crisis Service brought me in contact with critical DV and abuse situations all over Sydney, and Greater Sydney and time of the day or night. Not only are Aboriginal women over represented in murder statistics, but are over represented in the prison population…more often as a result of having to defend themselves from assault. We need to immediately address the issues of Domestic Violence in all parts of our society. We need proper interventions including provision of safe accommodation. We need to believe women when they say they are being abused. - Elizabeth
Chair No 9 - Susie
Chair No 10 - Darnita
Empty Chair
This chair aims to symbolically represent the place that those who suffer from domestic violence sit - or sat. To the viewer it can be seen as a lovely space, but in reality, sitting there would certainly be an uncomfortable experience. Is the real discomfort clearly seen.
The symbolism of the torn apart birdcage and red feathers is dramatic. The bird has gone. A splash of red remains. We know the bird was contained but is now free. Perhaps we should ponder the price of this freedom. Ironically this chair was created by Freedom Furniture.
Chair No 11 - Members of the Pop In Board
Kintsugi
Kintsugi teaches us that in life we can turn adversity into something that is beautiful and resilient. Kintsugi shows us that in time, we can heal from our wounds, embrace our imperfections and become stronger. Kintsugi reminds us that no matter our difficulties, we can find a way to reframe and find meaning in life. - Alyssa
Chair No 13 - Mary
I am wanting my chair to reflect Hope. Hope that a bad situation will change and hope for a peaceful and lasting outcome for all concerned, also the promise of a new sunny day. I've also added some favourite lines of verse....
"Be like the bird, who Halting in her flight
On a limb too slight
Yet sings
Knowing she has wings” - Mary
Chair No 14 - Kylie
At Broun Abrahams Burreket we are Family Lawyers dedicated to helping people through the most challenging periods of their lives. Our team has come together to design and decorate a chair for the "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” installation, decorating it with images and symbols that embody strength, resilience and hope. Our artistic endeavour reflects our firm’s focus on empowering people to rebuild their lives with dignity. For all of us at Broun Abrahams Burreket, this project has meaning. We have witnessed firsthand the courage of our clients who have experienced family violence. The impacts on them can be long lasting. By participating in this art installation, we are proud to be part of a community that champions initiatives that protect and support victims of family violence. "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" serves as a moving tribute and a call to action to all members of our community.
Chair No 16 - Mudita
This artwork, painted onto a chair and inspired by a handmade storybook, tells the journey of transformation from trauma to love and rebirth. The chair becomes more than a functional object; it is a canvas of evolution and resilience. Yoga and meditation played a central role in this transformation. These practices brought stillness to chaos, allowing me to reconnect with my body, mind, and spirit. Over time, they softened pain into understanding and anger into compassion, opening space for love to flow inward and outward. The chair, once a static object, now stands as a testament to renewal. It is a visual narrative of moving through darkness into light, an invitation to sit with one’s story and embrace transformation. - Mudita
Chair No 17 - Gail
Chair No 18 - Georgina
Chair No 19 - Maddie
Who am I?
The woollen wrapping of white and purple, I am painted white and purple. White represents peace, while purple is meant to be a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honour and dedication to ending violence. The crack in my seat and the holes in my seat represents the cracks and holes in society and the system for domestic violence. The number 5 and 6 butterflies represent the lives of women and children lost so far in 2024 and there are so many more that have not been counted yet! The red rose is a symbol of a nationwide recognised charity called red rose. Lastly there are two poems about Domestic Violence. One is about the project I am in, hopefully we can bring awareness of domestic violence The poems are written by Suen Ellen
Chairs 26 & 27 - Intan
The Fabric of Society We are all woven together … inch by inch, yard by yard … the yarn of life continually intertwines, regardless of time and tide. This empty chair symbolises bits of life experiences of the voiceless in amongst us, some unfinished, some incomplete, many tattered and torn – cut short by the injustices faced by the voiceless in our society. We can be the voice for the voiceless. We can patch up the little bits of yarn, bits of frayed material and bits of unwanted scraps. The fragmented bits can be stitched up to form the fabric of our society. Let’s support each other and fill up these empty chairs. We stitch together as one.
I am beautiful, Just like the sunflower that blooms in summer, I too shall revel in the sunshine. I am beautiful. This wheelchair is to acknowledge that gender-based violence, domestic and family violence and abuse does not discriminate and people living with a disability are also impacted.
Chairs No 32, 34, 36 - Moss Vale High School - Support Unit
Fitzroy Class
In a collective effort to honour the memory of a woman who tragically lost her life to domestic violence, our class embarked on a poignant project to design and decorate a chair that embodies her story. The chair serves as a powerful symbol of the impact of domestic abuse and the beauty of a life that was cut short. The design process began with thoughtful discussions among the students about how to visually represent the complexities of domestic violence. It was decided that the chair would feature a dual colour scheme; a dark colour at the bottom and a lighter shade at the top. The choice of a dark colour symbolises the brutal and oppressive nature of violence that victims often endure. This stark contrast serves as a reminder of the darkness that can overshadow lives affect by abuse.
Empty Chair
As a remembrance to those who have lost their lives. We chose handprints to symbolise the people that render assistance and we chose butterflies because they symbolise change.
Safe, Everywhere, Always
Respect women and children. We wanted to show that domestic violence ain’t allowed anywhere or the multiverse. We added purpose crystals to make the chair purpully and beautiful. We made the chair because we wanted to help women and children feel safe. We hope this chair makes people smile and feel better again.
Love from Johno, Marcus, Angelique, Anthony, Emily, Tom, Paulina, Virginia and Deb.
Chair No 38 - women of Woolies
A collective artwork, from a group of friends who work together at Woolworths in Mittagong.
Say NO!
66 women have so far needlessly died this year as a result of gender based violence. 66 families have lost a mother, a sister, a daughter, a granddaughter, a cousin, a niece. 66 women’s friends and colleagues have lost a loved one. Why is this? It is because someone did not or would not say NO!
Chair No 39 - Peter
Chair No 40 - Angus
Chair No 41 - Jane
SAFE. EVERYWHERE. ALWAYS.
This Chair is important, it matters, as did and do the lives of Domestic Violence Victims all over NSW, other States and Territories Australia wide and globally around the world. My piece reflects those groups affected but does not, cannot encompass all due to the limited time and space. Groups affected are Women, Children, Gender Diverse communities, men and all cultures and Nations/Countries. I used a collage framework to bring together the various aspects and groups affected by Domestic Violence. 'The Chair' - is a different 'Colour' on each individual part and reflects the colour and divergence of people but especially Women, who are affected by Domestic Violence. I have a Leg to represent the whole Gay Community, a leg face to represent the Transgender Community, a Leg Face to represent the Bi Community, Cis colours White Bar, Grey Panel (back of seat) and Hot Pink Leg for both Cis Gendered and 18 - 60's Women, a Lilac Leg to represent Older Women. I made Gay floofy to include cross dressing and exuberance etc. Underneath The Chair is painted Blue, because Blue is actually the most popular colour choice for Women globally, as Blue engenders confidence and security. It is also the colour used by many public services including Police, Fire, Ambulance, Governments etc. 'The Blue' also recognises the unseen or hidden victims of DV. Those who have looked for help but not received it. For those who cannot ask for help yet. For Disabled Victims, Religious Victims, for those who cannot yet reach out. For unborn babies who are silent victims. For Animals who are unable to ask for help. The 'Fabric Bows' - represent Women and tie women together across the world as fabric is something that almost every single Woman or DV victim handles, produces, makes things from, wears, decorates or uses for protection, across the World. Each of these fabrics are from or made in a different part of the World. I have chosen to 'rip not cut' the fabrics to show one of the common aspects of early physical abuse, torn clothing. 'No Means No' - is on the bar at the back of 'The Seat' to represent our voices collectively saying No More! "Safe. Everywhere. Always." “The Seat' - has a collage face, again made up of many different pieces of paper and fabric to represent the 'Face of a Woman', which could be any woman. Her expression is one of concern and uncertainty.
ABC 1234 - The Front of the Seat is to represent 'Children' who are also often victims of Domestic Violence, sometimes sadly with fatal consequences. 'No Shame!' - to encourage speaking up and not feeling Shame, as a victim. Also to encourage perpetrators to ask for help and to Stop Generational Violence. Chains' - the Chains either side of The Chair seat represent the 'Broken Chains' that often bind Women in DV relationships. These Chains are often invisible, although sadly sometimes also physical. The 'Red Painted Ends' represent the breaking of said Chains that represent the moment of liberation. Starting on The Seat are 'Buttons' that represent 'Butterfly Eggs', which lead to a 'Butterfly', which lead to other 'Butterflies', getting larger as they go up the chair. These represent Women's growing awareness of DV and their own Strength growing stronger, leading to their eventual escape, the 'Butterfly at the top of The Chair'. 'Angel Wings' - finally the top bar of The Chair is dedicated to all the 'Victims of Domestic Violence' who are no longer here to tell their story. On the back is Brown to represent the Earth and on the front is Blue with wispy clouds and a Rising Sun to represent a new day and being in a place where Violence can no longer touch them, but not forgotten, never forgotten.
Chair No 47 - Yvette & Bridgette
From the outside perspective, our lives often seem perfect, content, full. The puzzle pieces all perfectly aligned, slotted into place, the house, job, kids, everything you could ever want, or more specifically everything a woman could ever want. But what happens when the pieces start to slip and the line between a busy, fulfilling life and chaos begins to blur? When safety begins to morph into a privilege and not a right? When life at home is almost as terrifying as life without a home at all? In this artwork, we explore the ideas of safety, love, life and loss through the portrayal of puzzle pieces. The pinks fade into each other, just as the emotions, thoughts and chaos of life does. Except for one key piece. For each of the women represented by these chairs, their puzzles had one empty space. Safety.
Chair No 49 - Cecilia
Chair No 51 -Belinda
Chair No 52 -Tanya
Chair No 53 - Anon.
Chairs 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 & 59 - Ngunungula Gallery workshop - Louisa, Jane and Jane
The "Empty Chairs" project is a poignant tribute to women lost to domestic violence, using vacant seats painted with a narrative that speaks to lives cut short. The chairs, placed in public spaces, silently speak to the devastating void left in families and communities.
The chairs I have worked on alongside Volunteers and Case Workers at Ngunnungula aim to underpin these tragedies with the acknowledgement of the children left behind, and of the joy that is missing from daily life when forced to live alongside domestic violence. My chairs bring colour to highlight the necessity of joy in children’s lives, advocating for safe, nurturing environments where laughter and creativity can thrive. By juxtaposing loss with hope, it calls for systemic change—an end to violence and a commitment to fostering resilience, love, and happiness in the household.
Thank you for purchasing this chair and supporting the incredible, necessary work of Pop In.
Chair No 60 - Miss 10
My design includes my favourite colour pink and let’s face it there are a lot of little girls and women who love the colour pink – it is bright and fun. I also chose to do decoupage on my chair of lots of different shapes and sizes in all different colours and patters to represent what our world is made up of, lots of different people, of all different nationalities, but all deserving of healthy relationships, full of love and respect.
Chair No 61 - Mum of three
Growing up, I didn’t know what a healthy relationship was, fear was a constant reality for me. My mother was a perpetrator of Domestic and Family Violence. It wasn’t until I was 32 years old and had my third child did I realise the true extent of the control that my mother had over my life. It took a lot for me to come to terms with the fact that someone who birthed you and is meant to give you unconditional love could hurt you so badly.
I am pleased to say that after a lot of support from my chosen family I have removed her from my life and am living a safe and happy life, full of love, support, freedom to make my own choices and healthy relationships.
I chose this design that I have put on my chair to show that children are impacted by Domestic and Family Violence and we need to remember that. The violence or psychological abuse or financial control may not be directed at them, but it still does impact them and we all as a community need to remember that and more needs to be done to educate our children and young people on healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Chair No 64 - Nicole
Kintsugi
Kintsugi teaches us that in life we can turn adversity into something that is beautiful and resilient. Kintsugi shows us that in time, we can heal from our wounds, embrace our imperfections and become stronger. Kintsugi reminds us that no matter our difficulties, we can find a way to reframe and find meaning in life - Nicole
Chair No 65 - Rickie
Chairs 66 and 67 - Michelle
Forget me not
For this project I wanted to construct my message through a storyboard showing the impact an emotional hardship from the separation and death of family brought about by domestic violence. I explored the power of symbolism using flowers and colours to share the emotions of a mother's pain and impact on children and their journey to move on and look to the future. The breeze moving through the storyboard as the sun rises shows time passing as everyone comes to terms with the loss. I chose forget me nots not only for the name also the meaning behind it. They represent remembrance love and devotion. Asphodels conveys death, regret and exhaustion. The Weeping Willow has obvious meaning of sorrow and weeping however it also represents courage love and strength and lastly the Iris being held by the mother. It represents her faith, hope, courage, wisdom and admiration. The yellow and orange conveys warmth and red brings passion that can turn into danger and aggression seen in abuse the dark sky dark. Blues for depression, the shawl is black for death paired with the white dress for new beginnings, the pale purples, vibrant blue greens are tranquilly and peace common healing colours. I didn't want to completely focus on all the negative emotions as it's also important for people to heal and look to the future
Chair No 68 -Tracy
Why did I ‘paint a chair’ for Pop In?
It’s a little about my journey especially the '“Serenity Prayer”, which has helped me many times, it has grounded and humbled me, so I could move forward. The butterflies signify freedom and a new beginning. The saying on the back of the chair “if you never try, you’ll never know, just what your worth” is another one that has helped me to strive to do “my best”. Yes My Best! Not what other people have expected me to achieve! My abuse started in my childhood but my most recent relationship of 16 years is what brought me to Pop In and not because I was physically harmed, for the most part it was psychological and emotional, he used my childhood abuse against me. I was lazy, no good to anyone etc etc I didn’t even know this was abuse. It really harmed my mental health a lot. But now, I have moved out and I am on the road to recovery with the help of Pop In, lovely people! and my counsellor. My hope for this chair, is that it inspires and helps someone else to “get back on their feet”.