Contemporary Australia: Women

95 The Miracles (details) 2012 Pigment ink prints on Hahnemühle paper, antique frames Installed dimensions variable Such statements are followed with warnings against blurring gender roles, in the Church’s attempts to prevent legal recognition of same-sex unions, lesbian access to IVF or any practice that would contravene ‘the principles of Catholic morality’. In a bid to complicate Catholic Church imperatives — and its desire to mould the state accordingly — each of Kelly’s photographs are presented in tondo format and are individually mannered after specific Renaissance-style religious paintings with disputed attribution, authenticity or provenance. Both families and paintings have been subjected to question about their origins — and yet they continue to answer the interrogation with their intrinsic value as rich, remarkable and happy presences, irrespective of how or by whom they were ‘created’. Whatever shape they might take, our families provide us with the socialisation, learning and affection that allow us to thrive and prosper — and where they fulfil their role admirably this should be credited without reservation. Deborah Kelly’s thinking is not directed at denying the importance of origins. Rather, it is about rejoicing in the diversity in which our highest human qualities flourish and recognising that there are marvels all around us. Peter McKay conceived with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) ranging from advanced IVF treatments to DIY homemade magic. The obstacles to traditional conception are not disclosed, although we can infer on occasion, seeing that the families range from traditional hetero-nuclear, single-parent, extended, expectant, same-sex and other kinship structures. In each situation, however, it is clear that the children are treasures. They are holy, miracles , conceived ‘immaculately’; and delivering an incomparable sense of meaning, purpose and profound blessing to their parents. The artist describes the work as ‘at once an argument and a prayer . . . an aggregation of evidence for a new sociology of the family and a fresh examination of the idea of the sacred.’ 3 This understanding of ART contrasts with the influential teachings of the Catholic Church, as expressed in the official Vatican document ‘Donum Vitae (The Gift of Life): Instruction on Respect for Human Life in its Origin and on the Dignity of Procreation: Replies to Certain Questions of the Day.’ The fundamental position stated is that science must be at the service of the human person, of his (sic) inalienable rights and his (sic) true and integral good according to the design and will of God . . . This norm must be applied in a particular way in the field of sexuality and procreation, in which man and woman actualise the fundamental values of love and life. 4 Deborah Kelly