‘Ref.’ is part of an ongoing series that considers the ways in which institutions use language and codified systems of communication to silence individual voices of complaint, disruption, difference and opposition.

About

The large, square beading, consists of 52,000
24 karat gold beads, weighs 300 grams and includes 18 lines of coded language.

The text written within the artwork is sampled from emails sent and received over a period of two years, from direct correspondence between myself and institutions in both the legal and healthcare sectors.

The title (Ref.) and themes within the work hint to multiple meanings – referral, reference, referee, refusal.

This artwork has been made to try and understand how institutions use language (specifically emails) as a tool to gate-keep, refer on, wrap-up and maintain collegiality in shutting down complaints.

‘Ref.’ draws attention to the ways in which people’s stories or lines of enquiry are interrupted, fragmented and drawn out through the referral system. It is also about how generalised and hegemonic communication creates faultless paper trials, sets the institution free from responsibility, whilst in tandem, dehumanizes the individual they are referring to.

Decoded text within the beading, line by line:

—

1. I have Cc’d Camille into this communication to ensure transparency.

2. I have attached the Regulations for dealing with Complaints.

3. Unfortunately, I'm not able to provide any guidance or when to expect a response.

4. Ms Moir will need to engage the services of another clinician.

5. The Tribunal needs to engage Counsel and I'm not sure how long this will take.

6. Submissions were made on your behalf in relation to the objection to the notification.

7. After discussing this together we have contacted them before getting back to you.

8. They needed to clarify some process issues with our sub-committee before proceeding.

9. We also clarified your interpretation of that at the time.

10. They are mindful of the length of time that you have been waiting.

11. “Letter of Outcome”

12. There was no failure in the duty of care.

13. It does not acknowledge any of the experiences I have put forward.

14. Yes, that’s correct Camille. There is no appeals process available.

15. Take care.

16. I wish you all the best,

17. Our responsibilities have ended.

18. Your emails will be filed.