a close up of a piece of cloth with writing on it.

Dinner Table Syndrome

2022

white vintage napkins, red cotton threads, dining table

ARTIST STATEMENT

'Dinner Table Syndrome' is a term used to describe the alienation deaf and hard of hearing people experience daily at important social gatherings — such as at the dining table. While hearing family members and friends can easily participate in large group conversations, deaf people often find these social situations frustrating, difficult to follow and overwhelming, leading to a feeling of disconnection and paradoxical isolation — being there yet invisible.

This alienation and isolation often threaten to undermine a deaf person's self-esteem and confidence, prompting a discomforting internal thought process — "Am I normal?"

exhibitionS

2022 “Dinner Table Syndrome” Australian Design Centre, Object Space